Donald Hays

Donald H. Hays, Sr., 88, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., surrounded by family members. He was born in St. Louis Nov. 15, 1931. Hays married the love of his life, Nancy J. O’Rourke in December 1950. They were married for 60 years and of that union had five children. Hays served his country in the United States Air Force from 1949-1952 as a Staff Sergeant. After the service, Hays worked for Sears as a mechanic, then joined the police force in St. Louis County. The family moved to Springfield in1970, where he worked for Missouri State University and the Springfield Airport as a security guard. He was also an avid mechanic and loved his motorcycles, especially his Harley Davidson. Later, the family moved to Fairfield Bay, Ark., where he continued his love of motorcycles and worked asa carpenter. Donald and Nancy moved to Republic, in 2005 to be closer to family.Hays is preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy Joan (O’Rourke) Hays, hisparents, Harry W. and Nellie VonKuren Hays, his twin brother, Lester Jerry Hays and a great-grandson.Hays is survived by his daughter; Christine and Andy Sellers of Billings, daughter Sandra and Jim Wubben of Moravia, Iowa; son, Donald Hays, Jr., of Branson; former daughter-in-law Shelly Hays of Springfield; daughter, Linda and Mark Montgomery of Nixa, and son Mark and Pamela Hays of Conover, N.C.; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews, and three sisters-in-law.A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Billings at 9 a.m. onJuly 9, 2020 officiated by Father Shoby Chettiyath. The Patriot Guard will leadHays to his final resting place at the Springfield Veterans Cemetery for a service at noon where he will join his wife Nancy. In lieu of flowers the family ask that any donations be made to the American Veterans Association in his name.