Junior Lee Hays

Junior Lee Hays, 85, Polo Mo.  was born October 8, 1940, to Harry and Mildred Hays in rural Cowgill Mo. and passed away October 26, 2025 at Oakridge Assisted Living in Richmond Mo.

He attended Polo High School, graduating with class of 1958, while there he met the girl that would become his wife.  On June 13, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Kitty Sue Patton, at the Knoxville Methodist Church. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in June.

They embarked on an agriculture career, at Cowgill Mo., that included raising hogs and cattle (very partial to cattle) along with crops. Their three children Ronald, Rhonda and Robert worked along beside them. The three children were very active in 4-H and FFA, showing their livestock at the county and state fairs. He took on the role of chauffer when they were still too young to drive as well as being involved in their various school activities.

On June 21, 2001, Junior, along with other extended family members, were baptized in his brother’s farm pond at Hamilton Mo.  In 2022, due to his failing health they moved to Polo Mo where they attended the Polo Community Church.

He is survived by his wife Kitty, daughter Rhonda Minnick, Pleasant Valley, Mo, son Robert (Shanna) Hays, Smithville Mo, daughter-in-law Lisa Hays, Coeur D Alene, ID, granddaughter, Brandy (Lee) Washburn, Pleasant Valley Mo, grandson Braxton Hays, Smithville Mo, great granddaughter, Mollie Metcalf, Excelsior Springs Mo, brother Richard Hays (Millie McClain) Hamilton Mo, sister Diann Hays, Cameron Mo and extended family members.

Sadly, his son Ronald preceded him in death October 10, 2022. He was also preceded by his parents, son-in-law David Minnick, father & mother-in-law John D. & Sis Patton, brother-in-law and his wife John & Betty Patton.

The family wishes to express our appreciation to the staff at Oakridge for the excellent care they gave him while he was a resident there. Also want to thank Shirkey Hospice for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers we respectfully suggest donations to the Polo Community Church or Cowgill Cemetery, or charity of donor’s choice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 31, 2025, at Polo Community Church in Polo. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the services at Cowgill Cemetery, southeast of Cowgill, Mo. Friends may call from 11 AM to 5 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo. (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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