Frank Robert Hayes, 83, of Valliant, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at his home on August 7, 2026.  He was born on August 5, 1943, in Mulberry, Arkansas to Forrest and Lucille Hayes. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ralph Hayes; his sister, Sue McIlvain and his precious grandson, Jonah Cox.

Frank married the love of his life, Virginia Hatcher, on April 4, 1970, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Together, they built a life filled with family, memories, laughter and love.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an electronics technician. Following his military service, he continued his working years in transportation with Frisco Railroad and finished his career at Fort Chafee.

To know Frank was to know someone who loved the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, football, playing pool, and cards, but most of all, he enjoyed the time spent with the people he loved. He had a competitive streak when it came to fishing, and there was little doubt in his mind that he could catch more fish than anyone else. Those who knew him well would probably agree that he was always ready to prove it.

Some of his fondest memories were made during the annual camping trips he shared with his family for many years. Those trips were more than vacations-they were traditions filled with stories, laughter, good food, the outdoors, and time together. They became treasured memories that his family will carry for generations.

Frank was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a man who was loved deeply and will be missed beyond words. His greatest legacy was not the things he owned or the places he went, but the people he loved and the memories he left behind.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Virginia Hayes; his son, Robert (Marissa) Hayes of Georgetown, TX; and his daughter, Wendy (Drew) Harper of Indianapolis, IN; his brother, J.D. (Mary Ann) Hayes of Charlotte, NC; sisters, Jeanie Jim Grooms of Greenbriar, AR and Judy (David) Lumpkin of North Little Rock, AR; and brother-in-Law, Jim McIlvain of Little Rock, AR. Frank leaves behind four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Weston) Alexander, Makayla (Sydney) Hayes, Elijah Cox, and Peyton Hayes, and one great grandchild, Harper Alexander. He will also be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

Frank leaves behind a lifetime of memories-stories around a campfire, fishing tales that may have grown a little bigger with every telling, football games, card and pool games, and countless moments shared with the people he loved.

He was loved. He was cherished. He will never be forgotten.

No service is scheduled. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.