Alexander "A.J." Hayes

ALEXANDER J. “A.J.” HAYES

Alexander J. “A.J.”, “Pete” Hayes, 90, of Columbia, Missouri, formerly of Pleasant Hill, was born August 12, 1926, in Pleasant Hill the son of Jesse Cleveland and Lola Alta (Small) Hayes.  He departed this life Sunday, July 16, 2017, at his home in Columbia, Missouri.

A.J. was a 1944 Pleasant Hill High School graduate. He was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran serving in the Pacific Theatre.

On January 1, 1947, he was united in marriage to Maxine Hitt in Greenwood, Missouri. She preceded him in death on July 23, 1979.  On Jan. 23, 1981 he was united in marriage to Marilyn (Henry) (Chambers) in Branson, Missouri.

A.J. was employed as a paint department supervisor for General Motors Leads Plant for 31 years and as a greeter at Sam’s Club for 20 years.  He was a Life Member and Past Commander of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #3118; a former member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church; a member of the Calvary Baptist and the Centerpoint Churches in Columbia.  He had also served on the Pleasant Hill R-3 School Board for 18 years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, cards, dominos, reading, watching the Royals, Chiefs, and Mizzou football and basketball and was a talented woodcarver.  He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A.J. was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jesse Hayes and Jay Hayes; and three sisters Audrey Hayes, Evalyn Hale and Ruth Kingsolver; and one step-son, James Chambers.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Columbia; two children, Carole (and Darrell) Gunn of Ankeny, Iowa, and Jim (and Rita) Hayes of Blue Springs, Missouri; two step-children, Russell (and Tina) Chambers of Columbia, and Lindell (and Catherine) Chambers of Cleveland, Ohio; 7 grandchildren, Sarah (and Kevin) Armstrong of San Antonio, Texas, Kelly (and Mitchell) Butler of Ankeny, Iowa, Laura Hayes of Kansas City, Missouri, Katie Hayes of Chicago, Illinois, Chelsie (and Seth) Miller of Columbia, Missouri, Russell (and Addy) Chambers of Columbia, Missouri and Lindsey Chambers of Cleveland, Ohio; 4 great-grandchildren Tinley Armstrong, Brody Butler, Hannah Butler, and Gunnar Chambers; two brothers, Jerry (and Josie) Hayes, and Jerrall (and Nancy) Hayes, both of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at the Stanley-Dickey funeral home.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 20, 2017, at the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Pastor Doug Phillips of the Centerpoint Church, Columbia, Missouri officiated. The Final Salute Ceremony was conducted by the V.F.W. Post #3118.  Graveside military services and interment followed in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the U.S Army and the V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard.  Taps was rendered by Eagle Scout Bugler George Montag.  Casket bearers were Allen Hayes, Greg Hayes, Terry Hayes, Clay Hocker, Chuck Kingsolver and Don See.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080