Robert Donald Hailey, 88, of Rector, died Sunday, June 13, 2004, at NHC Healthcare in Kennett.

He was born May 16, 1916, in Rector to the late Robert David Hailey and Laura Ellen Anderson Hailey.

He was a broommaker and restauranteur and had lived most of his life in this community.

He married Genola Elizabeth Jane Houston Oct. 5, 1938. She died Jan. 30, 1999. He was the first baby to be baptized in the Rector First United Methodist Church.

He also was preceded in death by one brother and six sisters.

He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Donald Ray "Donnie" and Linda Lee Hailey of Davison, Mich.; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Lee Hailey of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at the Rector First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Leland Blackshare, Buddy Dills, Bill Russell, Charles Robinson, Ron Kemp and Kelly Scobey.