Jay Hayes

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Jay Hayes, 93, a lifelong resident of Pleasant Hill, was born Friday, May 2, 1919, in Pleasant Hill, the son of Jesse Cleveland and Lola Alta (Small) Hayes. He departed this life at 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the Pleasant Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center surrounded with love and family.

He was a 1938 Pleasant Hill High School Graduate.

Jay was a United States Army veteran proudly serving his country for nearly six years during WWII.

On November 21, 1942, he was united in marriage to Chrystal Maxine Farr in Marietta, Oklahoma.

Jay was a well known and respected foundation contractor. He owned and operated the Poured Foundation Company in Pleasant Hill for over 30 years.

Jay was very active in the community and in the county. He was not a politician, but had a sincere desire to do what he could to make Cass County a better place to live. He was a member of the board of directors of the Casco area workshop board; was the last associate judge of the Northern District of Cass County; he served on the Cass County Vo-Tech Ad Council; a member of Who's Who in Missouri; 1974 Outstanding Citizen; member of the American Legion; charter member of the Pleasant Hill Future Farmers of America Chapter; charter member of the Pleasant Hill Rooster Booster Club; served two terms as chairman of the board of directors for the Pleasant Hill housing development-Broadway Village; a member of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Board; and former member of the Pleasant Hill Lions Club.

Most importantly Jay had been an active and faithful member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church since 1936. Having become a member at 17, Jay was the longest living member. He has served on most boards of the church, his pride and joy being chairman of the board that constructed the new sanctuary. Jay & Chrystal were sponsors for the Junior and Senior High Methodist Youth Fellowship for many years. He also touched the lives of many as a Sunday School Teacher.

Many young men in Pleasant Hill were helped in their college careers as he provided jobs during the summer months to help fund their college educations. For years he sponsored football and basketball teams and was never too busy to lend a hand for whatever was happening at school. Jay worked hard and whatever time he had free, he liked to spend it with his family at church, School, or play.

With his big smile and loving heart, Jay set a standard for what being a real man should be. As a result, his grandchildren are quite certain he was the greatest grandfather that ever lived.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, James Cleveland Hayes, and two sisters Evelyn Hale and Audrey Hayes.

He is survived by his wife Chrystal of the home; one son Terry (and Joy) Hayes of Pleasant Hill; two daughters Jaylene (and Al) Graham of Pleasant Hill, and Tracy (and Ron) Baker of Lee's Summit; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; four brothers Jesse (and Jackie) Hayes of Belton, Jerrall (and Nancy) Hayes, Jerry (and Josie) Hayes, all of Pleasant Hill, and A.J. (and Marilyn) Hayes of Columbia, Missouri; one sister Ruth Kingsolver of Pleasant Hill; many nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 20, 2011, at the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Reverend Carl Knapp, minister of the church officiated. Military graveside services and interment were held in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the Pleasant Hill VFW Post #3118 Honor Guard. Casket bearers were Bob Crawford, Josh Crouch, Clint Hayes, Brad Hocker, Clay Hocker, Matt Hocker, Pat Holt, and Mike Rooney.

Visitation was held Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.