Delbert Guy Hayes

Delbert Guy Hayes, 87, of Little River, Kansas, passed away May 27, 2023, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, with his family by his side. He was born October 18, 1935, in Ellsworth, Kansas, the son of William Kermit and Edith (Bechtelheimer) Hayes. Delbert was a lifelong Little River area resident. He graduated from Little River High School with the class of 1953 and received his bachelor’s degree in history from McPherson College. Delbert described himself as a left-handed farmer, raising crops and livestock. He carried on his family farm and received the Farm Bureau “Century Farm” award in 2018.

Delbert was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Little River, member of Gideons International, and a member of the Lions Club. He served on the Rice County Extension Council and Little Arkansas Watershed Board. Delbert was a United Methodist Youth Fellowship sponsor and volunteered his time sharing the word in prison ministry at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. He was known for his gentle and compassionate soul.

On August 11, 1957, Delbert was united in marriage with Joyce L. Flory at the Church of the Brethren in McPherson, Kansas. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2018. He is also preceded in death by his parents. Delbert is survived by his two children, Michael Hayes (Kristine Hopkins) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Charlotte Loewen (Stan) of rural Geneseo, KS; two brothers, LeRoy Hayes (JoNelle) of Little River, KS, and Byron Hayes (Anne) of McPherson, KS; sister, Patricia Mais (Tom) of Emporia, KS; two grandchildren, Thad Hayes (Nicole) of Austin, TX, and Annie Rios (Zachary) of Round Rock, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Sage Isabella Rios and Avery Grace Rios both of Round Rock, TX.

A visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Private family burial will be at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Celebration of life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Little River. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, Little River or Sandstone Heights Nursing Home in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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