Joe Bob Hayes (Joe B. Hayes) passed away at his home on Indian Point, MO on October 21, 2026, following a short illness. Joe was born on November 29, 1941, in Springfield, MO to Joe and Mae (Potter) Hayes. He was their only child. Always impatient and in a hurry, Joe B. was a preemie, weighing only 3 lbs, 3 oz at birth.

Joe grew up in Galloway, MO, near Springfield, and graduated from Parkview High School in 1959. He later attended Drury College and graduated with a business degree. Joe also served in the Marine Corps Reserves.

Joe worked in insurance inspections and investigations, first for Equifax Services, then as an independent contractor. His work in insurance, along with his love of boating and fishing, is what originally brought him to Indian Point in 1969. At the time of his death, Joe was one of the longest living residents in the community. He retired in 2003.

On May 17, 1975, Joe married Marilyn Hood at an informal ceremony in her hometown of Pleasant Hope, MO. Their union lasted over 51 years. From this union, two children were born.

Joe was a longtime member of the Ozarks Yacht Club, serving as dockmaster for many years. Joe loved fishing, cutting wood, watching the St Louis Cardinals, and trips to Walmart. He went to Walmart every day at approximately 8 am, because that is when the checkers started, and sometimes more than once per day. He never missed ‘office hours’ at the Lakehouse Pub and Grill on Indian Point, sitting in the same seat almost every day at 4:30 to 5:30 or 6 pm, drinking his Canadian Mist and water, or ‘sodies’ as he called them. His favorite food was medium rare, thick prime rib, and woe to anyone who messed it up. And woe to anyone who brought him his least favorite food, chicken.

Joe is survived by his wife Marilyn, of the home; daughter Charity of Indian Point; and son Cody of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mae Hayes.

Per his request, there will be no funeral or visitation services. Burial will be at the Pleasant Hope Cemetery in Pleasant Hope, MO under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO. A celebration of life will be held at the Lakehouse Pub on Indian Point, between 1pm and 4 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026.