December 24, 2024

C.A. Hayes, age 82, of Elkhart, Kansas died Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Pioneer Manor in Hugoton, Kansas. He was born February 19, 1935, at the family farm in Morton County, Kansas, the son of Vernon and Chloe (Bray) Hayes. 

C.A. was a lifetime resident of Morton County. He graduated from Elkhart High School and was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed at the 7th Division Headquarters in Korea. C.A. married Donita Ferguson on April 28, 1965, in Raton, New Mexico. They raised cattle and farmed. C.A. was passionate about two things; Morton County and the Kiwanis Flag Project. He served locally on the Morton County Farm Bureau Board and also on the state level, and also served as Lieutenant Governor in the Kiwanis Organization. C.A. was also a member of the First Baptist Church where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and usher. He enjoyed attending farm shows and collecting toys.

Survivors include his wife, Donita of their home; son, Kyle Hayes and wife Donna of Liberal, Kansas; two daughters, Gay Flax and husband Mike of Hays, Kansas, Carla Becker and husband Jeb of Orchard Park, New York; brother, Vernon Hayes, Jr. and wife Sarah of Elkhart, Kansas; six grandchildren, Kasey, Kolt, Brittany, Hunter, Reino, and Sloan; and two great-grandchildren, Kash and Lathan. 

C.A. is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Warren Eugene Hayes; and sister, Stella Hayes.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Elkhart, Kansas with Pastor Ed Richards officiating. Burial will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Kansas Military Funeral Honors Team and the American Legion 8th District Honor Guard. Visitation will be Friday, February 24, 2017, from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM with family present from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Memorial contributions may be given to the Kiwanis Club Flag Project or the First Baptist Church Mission Project in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.