John Claude Hays was born on Wednesday, April 13, 1938 in Campbell, Missouri to Claude Hays and Nellie Thacker Hays. He departed to be with Jesus and his loved ones in heaven on Friday, December 1, 2023 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 18 days.
In 1957, he was united in marriage to Joella Brannan from Campbell. She preceded him in death on September 11, 2011. He later married Karen Hays. She preceded him in death. Also preceding him were his parents, Claude Hays and Nellie Hays Gunter and step father Speedy Gunter; son, John Claude Hays II; daughter-in-law, Dana Oliver Hays; and grandson, Klein Hays.
John was an avid farmer who loved growing watermelons, cantaloupes, and cotton. His love was running Hays Produce in Campbell. He had a great love for his grand kids and his dog Max. John always had a smile on his face. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Dexter.
His survivors include: one daughter, Cheryl Miller and husband Lee of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one son, Brian Hays and Jennifer Murphy of Campbell, Missouri; two step daughters, Tammy Clark of Dexter, Missouri, Jill Medina of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and one step son, Kevin Dudley of Kentucky; three grandsons, John Austin Miller and wife Chelsea of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Landon Hays of Campbell, Missouri, and Dusty Miller and wife Haley of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; three step grandchildren, Lucas Haley of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Kyla Clark of Florida, Ashley Lamb and children of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; three great grandsons, Owen Miller of Dexter, Missouri and Carter and Wyatt Miller of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and one great granddaughter, Aria Miller of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; two sisters, Judy Spears of New Madrid, Missouri and Penny Peterson of Campbell, Missouri.
Visitation was at noon Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Landess Funeral Home in Campbell. The funeral service followed at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Landess Funeral Chapel in Campbell. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Campbell.
Landess Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.