Johnny Hayes

John D. Hayes, 64, of Atwood, died Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the Rawlins County Health Center. He was born October 8, 1951, in Atwood, to Howard and Ethel (Yates) Hayes. John graduated from Atwood High School in 1970 and married Marilyn Martin on October 12, 1972. He was a farmer, spending his life farming the land he grew up on with his dad; raising cattle and growing a variety of crops. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, joining in 1974, and was a lifetime member of the Atwood Country Club. John enjoyed traveling and anything that involved his friends and his family, as they were the most important thing in his life.

Johnny was born, raised, lived and died in Rawlins County. He loved his home, friends and family. Johnny enjoyed traveling, visiting with everyone he met and sharing his wit and wisdom. Johnny had a gregarious nature always ready to socialize. He had the gift of never meeting a stranger. Meeting and visiting with friends either at the Country Club, diner, or just running errands, everybody knew Johnny as a great story teller. His inflection of voice, mannerism, and sometimes wild gesticulations often made him the center of attention in a group, with all laughing and listening intently. Usually the stories were true and most involved some form of misadventure with friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Joe Murray; Uncle John W. (Irel) Hayes; great-uncle, Dr. H.E. (Francis) Henneberger and cousins, Sue and Elliot Glad.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn; children, Chad (Kelly) Hayes and Christy Hayes; grandchildren, Cooper and Christopher Hayes, Brooklyn Barker, Talen (Nathan) Doro and Brandi Diederich and siblings, Lynda Murray, Steve (Marlene) Brock, Nancy (David) Smith and James Hayes.

Visitation is 4-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, Atwood with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Masonic Lodge, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Information or condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com