Carl Hays

Carl Dufford Hays, Sr. was born on September 2, 1923 near Homedale, Idaho to Lee Bowman and Eva Brown Hays. He grew up farming and milking cows. At a very young age of twelve, he and his brothers become responsible for operating the family farm when his father became unable to due to a heart attack. During WWII he joined the Army and served among the “Greatest Generation” until pneumonia and a land mine course took most of his hearing during basic training. He received a medical discharge as a veteran. He was devoted to many things; fishing, hunting, camping and his family, but probably the most important were baseball, horses and children. He played and coached baseball for many years and was asked to play in the minors but couldn’t because he had to run the family farm. As a coach in Homedale and Marsing, he led teams to awards and championships for many years. Likewise, as a horse trainer and owner, he dedicated over 30 years to developing some of the finest thoroughbreds and quarter horses in the state. At his peak, he stabled more than 25 horses. He would only take as many as he could ride and shoe himself and he won far more races than he lost. Carl Hays had a wide smile, kind blue eyes, and a good word for everyone he met. He took extra time and effort with children so they felt very special. Simply put, those who knew him cherished him. He will be joining his sisters Eulah Hays, Faye Dines, Velma Milligan and his brother Red Hays. What a welcome he will receive. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Hays, his brother and best friend, Rob Hays and wife Mary Lou. He was a beloved father to Carl Dufford Hays Jr., Trina Hays and Kim Hays Cooper. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren carrying on his legacy are: Carl Dufford Hays III, Anthony Hays, Burke Hays, Tanna and Tyler Cooper, Laura and Alex Conilogue, Carl Dufford Hays IV and Hauk Hays. Without question, Carl touched more lives than can be listed here, and I am sure he is smiling down on all of us knowing how much we love and miss him. Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Mountain View Church of the Nazarene, Wilder. Viewing will be held 1 hour prior to service at the church. Friends may send flowers or you may also send donations to the Homedale Senior Center (P.O. Box 848, Homedale, ID 83628). Condolences may be sent to www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information