Terry L. Hays, 74, of Kansas, died on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at 9:23 a.m. at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, IN.
Graveside services will be held Friday, July 17, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Kansas with Minister Bret Hammond officiating. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #539. Templeton Funeral Home in Paris is assisting the family.
Mr. Hays was born Sept. 20, 1945, in Paris, to Donald “Pete” and Marilyn (Willison) Hays. He married Carolyn “Susie” Henderson on March 10, 1967, in Paris, and she survives.
He was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War with a firm belief of “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” He wore his USMC insignia with pride whenever possible. Following 26 years of service, he retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Charleston and Paris.
Mr. Hays was a member of Kansas Christian Church, American Legion Coral Hall Post #539 and VFW Post #3601.
He was also proud of the love and experiences shared with his high school sweetheart throughout their 53 years of married life together. He enjoyed golf, grilling, gardening, hunting with his son and teaching his grandchildren how to fish. Above all else, he treasured time spent with his family and put them first in all things. Semper Fi.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Hays is survived by his three children, Kelly (Edward) Carnine of Richmond Hill, GA, Mike (Crystal) Hays of Paris and Emily (Mark) Hughes of Hillsboro; two brothers, Merle (Evelyn) Hays and Kenny (Dorothy) Hays, both of Paris; ten grandchildren, Bailey, Alex and Jada Carnine, Corey (Taylor) Hays, Myranda (Dalton) Chambers, Carter and Chase Hays and Marshall, Griffen and Lola Hughes; great-grandson, Ezekiel Hays, with another great-grandson, Pierce, due in August; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog and best friend, Lucy.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to Kansas Christian Church.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com.
