Hale Hays

On August 2, 2011, at 5:30 PM. Hale Waters Hays passed from this life to the next at the age of ninety four. Hale is survived by his sisters, Mary Olivia Kahak of Forth Worth, Texas, and Judy Mae Jordan of Madill, Oklahoma, and by his devoted children, Janet Kathleen Nobles of Bixby, Oklahoma, Richard Hale Hays and daughter-in-law, Fonda Hays of Monterrey Mexico, and Patrick Eugene Hays and daughter-in-law Debbie Hays of Stroud. He was loved by his grandchildren: Lauren and Chris Rhodes, Conor Nobles, Judah and Jleana Hays, Isaac and Michelle Hays, Micah Hays, Malinda Seaton, Lance Hays, and Ginger and Lawton DePriest as well as 11 great grandchildren. Hale Waters Hays was born in Van Buren, Arkansas, on November 3, 1916. The son of Ruth Emma Waters Hays and Roscoe C. Hays. He grew up in southern Oklahoma living in Muldrow, Tribey, and graduated from Pauls Valley High School. After his family moved to Oklahoma City, Hale played football for Oklahoma City University where he graduated with a degree in Business. When the US entered World War II, Hale enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained to be a B-29 pilot. Before he was shipped overseas he was assigned to Kansas to train others to fly. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kathryn on a blind date. They were married on October 17, 1944. Hale served his county bravely in the battle against Japan. After the war Hale and Kathryn settled in Oklahoma City where Hale joined his father in the trucking business. In 1950 they moved to Stroud where they raised three children. Eventually Hale left the trucking business and found his true calling as a career car salesman. Hale and Kathryn joined the First Christian Church while members their lives were enriched in countless ways. Hale served as Sunday School Superintendent, deacon, church board member, and elder ementus. His parents and soul mate of 59 years, Kathryn preceded Hale in death. Hale knew how to have fun. He loved coon-hunting with his friends and camping in Boswell. He loved fishing with Kenny and Peavine, playing softball, or playing a bad game of bridge and not to mention The Breakfast Club. Hale touched many lives. The community has delighted in the characters of Fred, the coon dog, and Hector, the hummingbird with his live in girlfriend. Hale cared for people in a way that sometimes over-road good business sense. Many have been touched by some secret kindness where Hale loaned money, make a encouraging phone call, sent a flower, loaned a car or helped the helpless - all while telling a joke. Hale was loved by his family, cherished by his church, and honored by his friends. He has lost his battle with age and cancer, but is now dancing with Kathryn in heaven. Funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church in Stroud, Oklahoma on Friday, August 5, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Paul Ragle officiating. Burial will be in the Stroud Cemetery, Stroud, Oklahoma, under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud.