Robert "Bob" M Hanes

Robert M. “Bob” Hanes was born in Emporia, KS, on August 29, 1932, to Millard E. & Velma (Mize) Hanes. Following a childhood spent in Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, California, and Arkansas, Bob settled with his family in Florence, KS, where he graduated from Florence High School in 1951.

After graduation, he returned to Arkansas and reconnected with his childhood sweetheart, Betty Lou Efird. Following a brief romance, they were married on July 28, 1951. To this marriage, three children were born: Deborah in 1953, Robert Neal in 1954, and Phillip in 1970.

Bob was employed by Sant Fe Railroad for more than 35 years before his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed his work in the bridges and building division, rising to Assistant General Forman and accumulating many friends and much railroad memorabilia. He also worked at a grain elevator and gas stations.

Bobs other passions – indulged most fully in retirement – included freshwater fishing, travel, gardening, woodworking, and teaching his grandchildren to be half the billiards player he was. He served a term on the Florence City Council and was a grand marshal for the Labor Day Parade.

Bob had several health challenges in his later years, including heart bypass surgery, colorectal cancer, and dementia. Since March of 2017, he had been residing at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro. He passed away at Parkside on January 19, 2018, surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty, of Florence, children Deborah (Doug) Hanes – Nelson of Centralia, Neal (Eva) Hanes of Peabody, and Phillip (Stan) Smith – Hanes of Ellis, brothers Larry (Peggy) and R.K. “Bud” (LeEsta) of Newton, sister Carolyn Skinner of Joplin, MO, Grandchildren Laura (Darrin) Ashmore of Chanute, Mattie (Lucas) King of Woodland Park, CO, Molly (Lyle) Graversen of Vally Center, Jenny (Tyler Sherman) Schnakenberg of Colorado Springs, CO, Dustin (Britney) Hanes of Haxtun, CO, Micah (Margaret) Nelson of Hurlburt Air Force Base, FL, and Cody Yaworsky (Caitlin) of Sussex, NJ, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.