Nile Clark Hayes, 56, of West Burlington, died Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born September 14, 1969, in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Milton and Sharon (Dirth) Hayes. He married Amy Marston on April 1, 2000. He was a member of West Burlington United Methodist Church.
He was a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend whose life was rooted in family, hard work, and deep passions. He was a loving husband to Amy and a proud father to his two daughters, Chloe and Bailey, never missing a school event or sporting activity and always cheering them on.
Nile found joy in many things, especially sprint car racing and his love for Knoxville Raceway. He cherished time spent farming the family farm alongside his brother Chad and his daughter Bailey, a place that reflected his strong work ethic and connection to his roots. Known for his wide-ranging knowledge, Nile could fix just about anything—and if he couldn’t, he always “knew a guy.”
He greatly valued time with family and friends and was fortunate to have many close, lifelong friendships. Nile loved firing up the grill or smoker for any reason, taking pride in sharing good food with others. He was proud of his small businesses; Odessa Mechanical Contracting, Hayes Transportation, and Tomahawk Farms. He enjoyed boating, camping, visiting museums, and attending the Iowa State Fair. He also enjoyed keeping up with politics and current events. He was a St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeye fan.
Nile also had a special place in his heart for his dogs and his bearded dragons, caring for them as part of the family. Above all, he will be remembered for his wealth of knowledge, work ethic, and the love he had for his family.
He is survived by his wife Amy Hayes; two daughters Chloe Hayes (Sturgis Thornton) and Bailey Hayes; his parents Milton and Sharon Hayes; sister Nanette Hayes and two brothers Duane Murphy and Chad Hayes.
He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Wapello E.M.S., Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital or the Des Moines County Humane Society in memory of Nile Hayes.