Merle E. Hays' Obituary
Merle E Hays, son of Walter Otis and Ora Belle Compton, was born December 1, 1930 in Towanda, Illinois. He departed this life Friday, February 29, 2008 in Laurie Care Center, Laurie, Missouri, at the age of seventy-seven years, two months and twenty-eight days. On July 20, 1956 in Prescott, Arizona, he was united in marriage to Rose Ina Stewart and together they shared the past fifty-one years. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William Hays. Survivors include his loving wife, Rose Ina, of the home; a sister-in-law, Doris Hays, of Illinois; and many wonderful friends. Merle was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended school. He joined the United States Navy where he served his country proudly in the Korean War. He later transferred to the United States Air Force then later served in the National Guard. After his military career, he returned to Phoenix and in June of 1966, he and Rose Ina moved to Climax Springs, Missouri. He worked as a truck driver, did construction and was a school bus driver. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3600 in Climax Springs, Missouri. He was also a member of the American Legion in Phoenix, Arizona. In spare time he enjoyed reading western and mystery novels. He was an avid outdoors man and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He enjoyed farming and always grew a wonderful vegetable garden. Most of all, he enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Merle was a loving husband and brother-in-law and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life today and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2008, in the Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton. Burial will be in the Mose Clark Cemetery, Climax Springs, Missouri. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Services are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri. Memorials to the American Cancer Society may be made through the funeral home.
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