Mr. Winferd F. Hays, Sr., passed away on Monday, August 31, 2009 at his home in St. James, Missouri surrounded by his family. He was 85 years, 10 months, and 27 days of age.

Winferd Hays was born on October 4, 1923, he was the fourth son of (the late) John and Maude (Riley) Hayes of Salem, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Pope Hays, in September, 2008. His children include: Winferd Hays, Jr. (Kathy) of St. James, MO.; Sharon (Irv) Logan of St. Louis, Janet Hays, Cuba, Mo., and Steve (Tammy) Hays of Vichy, Mo. Mr. Hays also had three grandchildren: Bryan (Gwendy) Hays of Dallas, Texas; Danny (Shelly) Hays of St. James, and Rachel Hays of Vichy, five great-grandchldren: Whitney, (finance' Dylan), Macey, Micah, Jesse, and Joshua, and one great-great grandson, Karsten Driskell. Mr. Hays leaves, step-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, brother/sister-in-laws, cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death were brothers Orville, Sam, Wayne, Loyal, and sisters: Viola and Marie. Surviving brothers are Charles Cleo Hayes and Norman Hayes.

Mr. Hays grew up in Salem, Missouri, later moved to St. Louis, Mo. to work at Wagner Electric in the 40's. It was there he met Nancy Pope of Fulton, Missouri and married in 1945; they raised their family in St. Louis County. In 1976, Winferd and Nancy moved to St. James, where they became owners/operators of St. James Auto Salvage. Mr Hays retired in 1995 and continued farming in rural St. James, until the time of his death.

Mr. Hays was originally a member of Round Pond Baptist Church in Salem. He was currently a member of First Baptist Church in St. James, renewing his profession of faith in 2002. Of humble beginnings, Mr. Hays valued family and hard work to achieve his dreams. He prided integrity and fairness to all, including the least amongst us. Together Win and Nancy were a team, passing on their values to the generations to come.

Services
Visitation for Mr. Hays was held Wednesday, September 2, 2009 from 4 - 8 PM at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel in St. James, Missouri.

Funeral Services was conducted on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 11 AM at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel in St. James, Missouri with Jerry Baumann and Phil Cox officiating.
Pallbearers were Bryan Hays, Danny Hays, Jesse Hays, Micah Hays, Chuck Hayes and John Hayes. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joshua Hays, Mike Pope, and Barry Maupin. Burial was held in the family plot in the St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri.

Memorials may be give to Phelps County Hospice. Cards are available at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

We who are left behind join with those who reunite with and wish you Safe Harbour, Dear Dad. Proverbs 12:20-21