Hays, Kenneth Eugene "Gene" 1930-2007

HAYS, ROWLAND, BREES, PATCH

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/20/2008 at 20:47:42

Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Hays was born on Aug. 14, 1930, in Knoxville. He was the son of Helen Beatrice Hays and Lee Rowland. At a young age Gene's grandparents, Nora (Brees) and Leroy Hays raised him. He attended school in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947.

Gene met and married Edith Helena Patch on Dec. 19, 1948. To this union one daughter was born. In October 1952 Gene entered the US Army. He served with the 70th Engineering Company.

In October 1960 Gene worked as a linotype operator for the Knoxville Express. He also worked for the Oskaloosa Daily Herald, the Newton Daily News and Commercial Printing, a subsidiary of the Des Moines Register for over 30 years. He retired in 1992. Gene was a member of the typographical and pressmen's unions.

He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. Gene was a 50 year plus member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge # 90 in Knoxville and the Indianola Rebeka Lodge # 111. Gene received the "Meritorious Service Jewell" in 2005.

Gene spent many hours collecting stamps. He also did crossword puzzles. Gene enjoyed nature. When able he hunted deer and mushrooms. Even when he wasn't able to hunt them, Edith and Gene would drive to the country in the evenings just to watch the deer. They also fed and watched birds in their yard. Gene especially liked the cardinals and blue jays that stopped for a meal. Family was a high priority to Gene. He and Edith had visited all 50 states. Debbie accompanied them most of the time as a child. Seldom did the couple go anyplace without her.

Kenneth Eugene Hays passed away on May 16, 2007, at the Knoxville Hospital at the age of 76.

Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Edith Hays of Knoxville; one daughter, Deborah Hays of Chicago, Ill.; two half sisters and one half brother.

Funeral services were held on May 19 at Williams Funeral Home with Pastor Neil Montz officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Mr. Hays may be made to the American Heart Association, Knoxville Senior Citizen Center or the Charity of the Donor's Choice.

The Knoxville Journal Express, May 25, 2007