Thomas R. Hays

Rev. Thomas R. ""Tom"" Hays, Sr., 69, of Poplar Bluff died Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at his residence.

Rev. Hays was born March 4, 1942 in Poplar Bluff. Rev. Hays was a member of Pentecostal Holiness Church and served as minister for Trinity Grace Assembly, Church of God at Fisk and Hamtown Church. Beginning on April 1, 1974, he began his secular career as a salesman with Anderson's Furniture Store in Poplar Bluff before retiring on April 1, 2004. Rev. Hays enjoyed serving the Lord, spending time with his family and hunting.

On Dec. 6, 1981, he married Joyce Ann Venable in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Other survivors include 5 children: Lisa Hays, Thomas R. Hays, Jr., Seth Hays and Joy Michelle Hughey all of Poplar Bluff and Mary McGee of Naylor; 2 stepchildren, Christy Lehenbauer of Poplar Bluff and Dana Barker of Fairdealing; 19 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Mary Alice Hays, of Poplar Bluff, Norma Jean Dillon of Texas and Susan Hester and June Hester both of Indiana; and 3 brothers, Kenny Dillon, Steve Dillon of Indiana and Bob Dillon of Wisconsin.

His father, Benjamin Franklin Hays, mother, Nora (Duff) Dillon and brother, Roy Dillon preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the Chapel with Bro. Lester Galbraith officiating. Burial will be at Ash Hill Cemetery at Ash Hill, Mo.

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.