John D. Hayes

John Dean Hayes, 97 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri. Born Monday, June 27, 1921 in Freeman, Missouri, he was the son of the late John D. Hayes and the late Myra (Settle) Hayes. After finishing the eighth grade, he helped his father farm until he entered the United States Army in 1942. A highly decorated Veteran of World War II, he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. His medals include three Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars for the Rome-Arno, Apennines and Po Valley Campaigns, Distinguished Unit Badge now known as the Presidential Unit Citation, and the European-African-Middle East Theatre Campaign Ribbon. On October 7, 1947 He married Kathryn L. Darnell in Lexington, Missouri. She preceded him in death on May 26, 2009. After his service in the Army he worked as a mechanic for Ziems-Grother Ford (now Hoflander Ford) and West Central Electric, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the American Legion Post 223 in Higginsville and the Dover Christian Church. Those surviving to cherish his memory and legacy are, one son, David (Patricia) Hayes of Higginsville; one daughter, Kathy (Rick) Rankin of Corder, MO; six grandchildren, Kelly K. Fox (Paul) of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, R. Patrick Neal (Amy) of Kansas City, Missouri, Billy Wilson (Kristy) of Richmond, Missouri, Jeremy J. Hayes (Cassie) of Richmond, Zac E. Hayes (Hope) and Marcus L. Hayes both of Higginsville; seven great grandchildren, Charles and Matthew Fox, Hannah Hayes, Sadie Neal, Haylee, Heather and Maddox Hayes; six step-grandchildren; twenty step-great grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, Betty A. Hayes, Betty J. Hayes, Mary Ann Mais, Leona Darnell; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; two brothers, Joe Hayes and Leroy Hayes; two sisters, Virginia Arth and Betty Jenkins. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Hoefer Funeral Home with the Rev. Steven L. Goughnour officiating. Interment will follow in the Dover Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, at Hoefer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Missouri Veterans Home - Warrensburg. Casket bearers: Patrick Neal, Paul Fox, Billy Wilson, Jeremy Hayes, Zac Hayes, Marcus Hayes, Charles Fox, Matthew Fox.

John D. Hayes

June 27, 1921 - February 9, 2019