John R. Hays, age 76 of Salem, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home with his family at his side.
John was born on November 26, 1948, the son of Roy and Margaret (Burkett) Hays. He married Janet (Maxey) Hays on February 14, 1992, in Salem, Illinois, and together they shared 33 years united in marriage and 37 years together.
Survivors include his wife, Janet of Salem; his daughter, Amber Aaron and significant other Rick Squibb; two step children, Chris Duncan and wife Wendy, and Marie Pollard; grandchildren, Kameron Wilkins, Keaton Wilkins, and Bentley Aaron; step granddaughter, Karley Squibb; his brother, Gary Hays and wife Lois; nephew, Dusty Hays and wife Michelle; niece, Misty McWhirter and husband Cory; great niece, Zyria Hays; and great nephews, Andrew and Gabriel Hays.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Margaret Hays, a son, Jonathan Hays, and a brother, Cliff Hays.
John loved spending time with his family. He loved to go fishing and enjoyed taking his grandsons. John was the best husband, father, and grandpa ever. He will be missed by all. John loved the Lord with all of his heart. He was a member of the Grace Church of the Nazarene. Everyone loved him who came in contact with him; that was the kind of person he was.
John worked as a forklift operator at World Color Press in Salem and later worked at Merz Vault Company.
Funeral services for John R. Hays will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Grace Church of the Nazarene in Salem with Pastors Trent Ice and Jim Chapman officiating. Burial will follow at Harvey’s Point Cemetery in Kell. There will be a visitation from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the family and will be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
