Michael Lee Hays
April 23, 1967 — October 1, 2024
Michael Lee Hays of Eureka, died on Monday, October 1, 2024, at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones, at the age of 57.
He was born April 23, 1967, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Clyde and Patricia (Watts) Hays. He was raised in Madison, attending local schools, where he participated in football in high school. In the summer of 1986, Michael enlisted in the Army where he remained on active duty until 1994. He then joined the Army reserves. Mike worked in the oil industry before beginning his career with the El Dorado Correctional Facility where he was a Corrections officer for 18 ½ years, a position he held until his health forced him to retire.
Mike was united in marriage to Martha Pesina in December 1988. To this union, 3 children were born. This marriage later ended in divorce. On February 21, 1998, Mike was united in marriage to Janet (Jackson) Hamilton and took on the role of raising her 3 children and his niece, Allysa Moore.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and reading. Mike was also a hunter education instructor, but his greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Mike is survived by his wife, Janet, of the home; his children: Saundra Hays of Emporia; Michael and wife, Jace Hays of Olpe; Justin and wife, Caitlin Hays of Emporia; Chapel and husband, Maxton Robinson of El Dorado; Cameron and wife, Allysa Howard of Wichita, and Chalissa Hamilton of Kansas City, MO; one sister, Delinda Ashburn of Texas; ten grandchildren: Emily, Kaben, Arabella, Zephara, Michael, Samantha, Alexander, Jazalee, Bentley, Abbygail and two on the way; seven bonus grandchildren: Liadan, Carter, Connor, Logan, Mason, Matthew and Elijah; two nieces, two nephews; numerous cousins and friends; and many brothers and sisters in law enforcement. He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.
Cremation has been effected, with a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 28, 2024 at Memorial Hall in Eureka.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hunter Education or to Koup Family Funeral Home to help defray final expenses. Memorials may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.
He was born April 23, 1967, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Clyde and Patricia (Watts) Hays. He was raised in Madison, attending local schools, where he participated in football in high school. In the summer of 1986, Michael enlisted in the Army where he remained on active duty until 1994. He then joined the Army reserves. Mike worked in the oil industry before beginning his career with the El Dorado Correctional Facility where he was a Corrections officer for 18 ½ years, a position he held until his health forced him to retire.
Mike was united in marriage to Martha Pesina in December 1988. To this union, 3 children were born. This marriage later ended in divorce. On February 21, 1998, Mike was united in marriage to Janet (Jackson) Hamilton and took on the role of raising her 3 children and his niece, Allysa Moore.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and reading. Mike was also a hunter education instructor, but his greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Mike is survived by his wife, Janet, of the home; his children: Saundra Hays of Emporia; Michael and wife, Jace Hays of Olpe; Justin and wife, Caitlin Hays of Emporia; Chapel and husband, Maxton Robinson of El Dorado; Cameron and wife, Allysa Howard of Wichita, and Chalissa Hamilton of Kansas City, MO; one sister, Delinda Ashburn of Texas; ten grandchildren: Emily, Kaben, Arabella, Zephara, Michael, Samantha, Alexander, Jazalee, Bentley, Abbygail and two on the way; seven bonus grandchildren: Liadan, Carter, Connor, Logan, Mason, Matthew and Elijah; two nieces, two nephews; numerous cousins and friends; and many brothers and sisters in law enforcement. He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.
Cremation has been effected, with a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 28, 2024 at Memorial Hall in Eureka.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hunter Education or to Koup Family Funeral Home to help defray final expenses. Memorials may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.
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