Melvin Douglas Hays
October 25, 1940 ~ March 31, 2023
TSGT (Ret) Melvin D. Hays, 82, of Lawton, OK passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Duncan Regional Hospital in Duncan, OK.
He was born on October 25, 1940 in Aledo, IL and the eldest of 4 to Edward D. and Evelyn R. (nee Barnes) Hays. After graduating from Aledo High School in Aledo, IL, he served in the United States Air Force for 21 years which he retired from in 1979. After military retirement, he continued to work as an airplane mechanic for Metro Airlines, Simmons Airlines and then retired from American Eagle/Airlines. Throughout his life, he loved camping, fishing, road trips, and watching baseball. He also, loved taking his wife, Rabiab Hays, of 48 years to Bingo, although you may hear him grumble from time to time about it. He was also well known for leaving his signature mark in photos when he was being photographed. He would stick his tongue out as soon as the picture was taken.
He is survived by his wife, Rabiab Hays, Lawton, OK; daughter Evelyn R.H. (DeWayne J.) Thompson, Oklahoma City, OK; son Bruce E. (Dawn M.) Hays, Geronimo, OK; ten grandchildren, Cynthia M. Thompson, Cody W. Thompson, Corina L. Thompson, Christian L. Thompson, Brandon D. Hays, Brianna L. Hays, Bradley J. Hays, Savanna M. Hays, Bruce "Junior" E. Hays, Jr, Jack Cummins; one great-grandson, Ty-Anthony Veron Hurley, II; and several nieces, nephews, and friends; two sons from former wife Patricia, Melvin "Doug" D. Hays, Jacksonville, FL and Patrick Hays, Cocoa, FL; four grandsons, Jared, Noah, Nathan, and Caleb Gibson; and great-grandchildren.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Barbara "Barb" E. Bird, Seaton, IL; two brothers, Donald M. Hays, Urbana, OH and James "Jim" P. Hays, Viola, IL; his former wife Patricia A. Hays of Jacksonville, FL, and their two daughters Cynthia Hays and Angie Gibson, Jacksonville, FL.
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