LLoyd Granville Memorial

Lloyd Granville Hays, age 84, of Oakley, KS returned to His Lord on Aug. 2, 2005. This was the same date as his father’s death on Aug. 2, 1992. Lloyd was born in a farmhouse north of Campus in Thomas Co., KS, to Granville Marion Hays and Esther Ida Ottken Hays. He graduated from Oakley High School in the class of 1940.

After farming for a few years after high school, he joined the U.S. Army, and served in the Central Europe and Rhineland Campaigns as a tank driver with the 612^th TDB until the end of the European war. He shipped home for 30 days leave, and received orders for the invasion of Japan before the atom bomb brought an end to the Pacific war. Lloyd was proud to serve his country and enjoyed attending reunions of his 612^th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was always eager to help with the local color guard during Memorial Day and other events.

On Aug. 11, 1946, Lloyd married Ruth Mather in Grinnell, KS at the United Methodist Church. They resided on the farm and ranch 3 miles north of Campus near the place of Lloyd’s birth. Lloyd raised wheat, milo, and alfalfa hay, but his love and passion was raising cattle. To this marriage four children were born, with one son predeceasing Lloyd as an infant.

Lloyd loved to spend time in his pickup checking the cattle, and did his best thinking in the peace and quiet of the countryside. He would make the rounds and many times stop at the elevator to share a cup of coffee and catch up on the news. He was a hard worker and a good cattleman and farmer, and loved what he did. The fondest memories of life on the ranch were the spring cattle drives to new pastures with the delicious picnic lunch that followed its completion. Lloyd also enjoyed the hay harvests and was always diligent in getting it cut and put up in a timely fashion.

Lloyd always greeted everyone with a smile, loved to laugh, and never had a harsh word for anyone. One of Lloyd’s trademarks was the way small children were always drawn to him, which is no surprise for those who know that children can sense a tender heart. He always had a good joke or trick for the little ones.

Those who knew Lloyd will fondly remember his compassionate spirit, generous heart and selfless nature.

Services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Oakley, Kansas on August 6th. Military graveside rites were conducted by the 1st Engineer Battalion, U.S. Army, Ft. Riley, KS and Oakley V.F.W. Post 2981

Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents Granville and Esther Hays, a son, Daryl Lynn Hays and a brother-in-law, Harry Roemer.

Lloyd is survived by his loving wife Ruth, of Oakley; his son Ronald Hays and his wife Debra, their children Ryan and Erin of Fort Morgan, CO; daughter Janice Soderlund and husband Steve, their children Kellie and Paul of Parker, CO; and son Stuart Hays and wife Carla, and their children Zachery, Andrew and Benjamin of Junction City, KS.

Lloyd is also survived by his sisters: Wanda Summers and husband Bert of Oakley, Inez Miller and her husband Robert of Delta, IA, and LoRee Roemer of Castle Rock, CO.

Following is a loving tribute to Lloyd from his family:

“Leaving a Legacy”

“My life and purpose on earth is complete. I’ve seen my heavenly Father and now I understand why He made me the way I was. Smile easy, enjoy a joke, get on the floor to play with children, work hard but not too late, be honest, stick to your word, trust your neighbor, love well and pass on the important things – that’s what I know now.”

“Those who loved and knew me most often heard me ask “Have I done it right?”

To this question, we answer . . .

Yes, Lloyd, my love, my daddy, my friend – you have done it right! Thank you for leaving a legacy that will spring eternal life for generations. Enjoy now Christ’s riches in glory!