Charles W. (Hoot) Hays Jr., 85, of Guymon, Oklahoma died at 2:28 pm on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, Texas.
He was born on August 20, 1929 in Okemah, Oklahoma to Charles W. and Mary Erma (Kerley) Hays. Charles lived in Okemah until he was eight years old when the family moved to Pampa, Texas. He attended school in Pampa until the family was transferred to the Cities Service Plant at Straight north of Guymon. He then attended school at Straight, Hooker and Guymon, Oklahoma. In 1947, he enlisted in the Air Force and served his country in occupied Japan from 1947-1949. During his stint in the armed forces he learned his life long trade as a welder. On October 26, 1955, he married Exie Fern Grider in Clayton, New Mexico. In 1965, after working for various oil and gas companies, Charles opened his own welding business, Hays Welding and Storage on Hwy 54.
Charles was a 40 year member of the Guymon Masonic Lodge #335 A.F. & A.M., where he was a 32nd degree mason. He served for several years as a committeeman for the Adobe Walls Boys Scout Troop #161 and was also a member of the Guymon VFW Post #1203. Hoot was an avid hunter and average fisherman. He enjoyed swapping stories and visiting with friends at the coffee shop and senior citizens, but most of all making his nightly phone calls to chat with family and friends.
Charles is survived by his wife, Exie; a daughter, Charmis Diann Dye and husband Harold of Farmington, New Mexico; a son, Mike Hays and wife Caryn of the Eva Community. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Jarod Huddleston and wife Priscilla of Idalou, TX, Alan Huddleston and wife Jaime of Sulphur Springs, TX, Lance Huddleston and fiancée Whitney Brown of Lubbock, TX, Brandon Hockett and wife Mandy of Texhoma, OK, and Blake Hockett of Guymon, OK; however, the pride and joy of Hoot’s life were his five Great Grandchildren, Tripp, Stella, A.J., and Jake Huddleston and Berkley Hockett. Charles is also survived by a sister, Barbetta Hesse and husband August of Canyon, TX, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Helen Frank and a brother, John N. Hays.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Odie Nunley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be to the Adobe Walls Boy Scout Council or the Guymon Masonic Lodge Scholarship Fund or to a charity of choice. Memorials will be accepted at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1112, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942.