Beloved husband and father, Robert Paul Mayes, 89, of Mason, MI, died Monday, March 28, 2022, following a long illness.Robert was born in Carson City, MI, on June 3, 1932, to Matthew and Lina (Davenport) Mayes.
He was the youngest of 12 children and moved with his family to Lansing at age 2. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1951.Following high school, he worked as an auto mechanic at Avery’s Auto Parts before joining the US Army in 1954 and serving in Korea. He later worked for Diamond Reo Trucks Inc. in Lansing until the plant’s closure in 1975. He then worked for General Motors Corp. in Lansing from 1976 until his retirement in 1994. He also operated his own small engine repair business, Mason Mower Service, for many years.He married Sandra Courtright in 1958, and they had four children.
He enjoyed camping with his family and traveled frequently with his wife in his retirement, including taking several trips to Alaska and Hawaii. In retirement, he and Sandra lived many winters in The Villages, FL.He is survived by his wife, Sandra; sister, Erla “Janie” Lucas of Carbondale, CO; four children, Sheryl (Terry) Stephens of Holt, MI; Steven (Nancy) Mayes of Mason, MI; Michael (Lynn) Mayes of Eaton Rapids, MI; and Mark (Holly) Mayes of Holt, MI; as well as 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 brothers and sisters.
Visitation will take place at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes at 621 S. Jefferson St. Mason, MI on Monday, April 4, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Shriners Hospitals for Children in Robert's name.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Mayes family.
