01/06/2013
A bright light left this earth on Jan. 6, 2013. Lee Orr Hays was born April 3, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Norman and Goodwin Hays. He grew up in Knoxville, Iowa, excelling in football, basketball and track, and was recently inducted into the Knoxville High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
He played football at Iowa State University, entering the Army in 1948. He completed his business degree at The University of Iowa.
Lee married Helen Gade on Oct. 6, 1957. He worked for the Maytag Corporation transportation department in Newton, Iowa for 41 years.
Lee was passionate about his family, faith, Iowa Hawkeye football and golf. He was a generous man with a great sense of humor.
He was an accomplished swimmer, logging over 1,000 miles at the Newton YMCA pool.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Norman, Harriet and Loren.
Lee's wit and love of life will be missed by his wife, Helen Hays of Windsor, Colo.; sons Steve (Lisa) of Fort Collins, Colo.; Chris (Hilary) of Park City, Utah; grandchildren, Madison and Fred Hays, along with extended family and many friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date for family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made in Lee's name to Bethel Lutheran Church, 328 Walnut Street, in Windsor, Colo.