MSG (Ret) Donald Lee Hays

Donald Lee Hays passed away February 05, 2010 at St. John’s Regional Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 75 years, 2 months and 29 days. Don was born November 7, 1934 in Xenia, Illinois. He was the third child of four sons born to the union of the late Simon Peter and Lenora Grace (O’Brien) Hays Jordan. Don grew up and attended school in Flora, Illinois. Don served his country in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1980. He served two tours in the Vietnam War. For his faithful and honorable service, Don was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with silver star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with bronze star, Army commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal (6th award), Expert Qualification Badge (M16) and the Meritorious Service Medal. His son, Jason, at Jason’s basic training graduation ceremony, honored Don by pinning his Purple Heart medal on him many years after the award. Master Sergeant Hays retired at Ft. Leonard Wood. On August 6, 1988, at the Fairview Church in Pulaski County, Missouri, Don was united in marriage with Patricia Lou (Quesenberry) Smith, and together they shared over 22 wonderful years together. After retiring from active duty service, Don worked for Bayroid Fluids Company in Texas. He hauled and unloaded the fluids used to lubricate the pumps in the oil wells. Don enjoyed hunting for bargains at auctions, fishing, traveling and playing pinochle. He especially enjoyed time with family and friends, especially his grand and great grandchildren. He was a man of faith, and knew the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Don will be greatly missed by his wife: Pat; seven children: Terry Lee Hays (Fern) of Effingham, Illinois, Keith Alan Hays (Tatum) of Springfield, Jeff Smith (Barb) of Crocker, SGT Jason Smith (Kerry) stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Lenora Grace Colby (Steve) of the state of Florida, Diana Lynn Meads (D.J.) of Springfield and Tammy Smith of Laquey; 30 ½ grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; his father and mother-in-law: Truman and Willie Ann Quesenberry and two brothers-in-law: John and Bill Quesenberry all of Laquey along with other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by one son: Donald Lee Hays, Jr., and three brothers: Simon Peter Hays, Jr., James and Tom Hays and sister-in-law: Debbie Hays. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 7, 2010 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Rev. Larry Suggs officiating. Becky Lercher sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art”. Serving as pallbearers were the United States Army. Burial with military honors provided by the United States Army, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri were in the Fairview Cemetery of Pulaski County. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of MSG (Ret) Donald Lee Hays and may be left at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret) Donald Lee Hays

November 7, 1934 - February 5, 2010