Joseph Hays

Joseph W. Hays, 84, passed away Sept. 20, 2004, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

He was born Sept. 12, 1920, to Joseph W. and Annie (Martindale) Hays in Pittsburg, Okla., the youngest of 12 children. He was schooled in Oklahoma. He worked on the family farm until he left home to work as an ironworker in New York and Texas.

He was called to the Army in 1943 and served with the combat engineers and saw combat action in France, Belgium and Germany. He also saw action in the Asiatic Pacific, Philippines and Japan. He received many medals, including the American Theater Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was discharged from the service in 1946 at Fort Lewis, Wash. He moved to California and worked in construction and logging. He moved his family back to Washington after 20 years and continued working construction there. He retired to Montana in 1994. He was an active member in the AA program, Carpenters Union, Masonic Lodge, Epworth United Methodist Church, the V.F.W., and the Moose Lodge.

Joe is survived by his wife Margaret, of Kalispell; daughters Joanne (Winfred) Coon, of Lindsey, Okla., Susan Kilcup, and Ann Hays, of Seattle, Wash.; son Joseph W. (Brenda) Hays, of Olympia, Wash.; stepchildren James (Deb) Thompson, of Katie, Texas, Ron (Margie) Thompson, of Whitefish, Lori (Terry) Holleman, of Kenai, Alaska, and Joseph Thompson, of Whitefish; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held September 25, 2004, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls with Rev. Ray Davis officiating. Inurnment followed at the Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kalispell, with military graveside honors.