It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Cleeland Hays, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. Tom passed away on Saturday, April 25, on his beautiful farm in southwest Adair County, leaving behind a legacy of respect, kindness, and hard work. Tom was the patriarch of his family, whom he loved fiercely, each and every one. He spent a lifetime tending the land that he loved along the banks of the Chariton River , and with his cattle herds, where you could find him every morning.

Tom was born on October 30, 1945, to Nolia Hilda Grissom and Lawrence Cleeland Hays in Yarrow, Missouri. He attended Kirksville schools and graduated in 1963. On June 2, 1964, he married the love of his life, Judy Charlene Rash, who survives. Their great love and respect for each other for almost 62 years was like no other and what all marriages should strive for. Their children remark about it often. Tom and Judy had five children: Kimberly Jayne (Tom) of Pittsburgh, PA, Tom Hays, Jr, (Bridgette) , Kirksville, Kari Rolston, (James), Kirksville, Kristi Breslin, (Glendale, AZ) and Todd Hays, Kirksville, MO. Grandchildren include Bobby and Erik Hultgren, Gabe Gannelli, Olivia Hays, Trey and Taylor Hays, Ashlee Hays, Zoie Havens, Charlie and Stella Hays, A.J. Rolston, Alyssa Kelley, Jessalyn Eddy, Shelbi McDonald, Samuel Breslin, Sable Breslin, Elizabeth Breslin, Ashton English, and Baylie Hawkins. Tom also had 20 great grandchildren. Tom is survived by two sisters, Kathy Sullivan of Columbia, MO and Karen Hammons of Kirksville, MO. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was a musician and was known in many venues for his singing and guitar skills, with his love of blue grass and country music. For many years, he served on the board and was president of the Yarrow Volunteer Fire Department, MFA Board, Adair County Extension Office Board, and Beef Leader Chariton Valley 4-H Club.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 29 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, 1008 W. Potter. Visitation will start at 12:00 pm with funeral service immediately following at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Yarrow Cemetery immediately following the service.

Pall bearers will be grandsons Trey and Taylor and Charlie Hays, Bobby and Erik Hultgren, Gabe Gannelli, Sammy Breslin, A.J. Rolston, and grandsons by marriage, Joe McDonald, Slater Kelley,Albert Hawkins, and Jordan Eddy Honorary Pall Bearers will be Tom’s dear friends and cousins: Marvin Cook, Dr. Ferrell Moots, Gary Grubrich, Eldon Grissom, Loren Grissom, and Gail Curtis.

Memorial donations in memory of Tom may be made to the Yarrow Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.

Tom will be missed beyond measure, but we know we will see him in every sunrise and sunset in these Missouri hills, over this land and around this family he held so dear.
Until we meet again…