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Leonard Leon Hays, age 82 ascended into the presence of his heavenly father on January 19, 2018 in Las Cruces, NM.
Leonard was born March 8, 1935 in rural Blaine County, Oklahoma to merle and Ethel Dromgoole Hays. While living on the farm, he learned to work hard and diligently. These concepts served him well throughout his life.
Leonard is survived by Barbara Louise West Hays, his teenage sweetheart and wife. He is also survived by son, Scott (Eric) and Mark (Julie), and Marie Theresa Hays. Surviving siblings include Jack Hays(Mollie), Robert Hays, Ronald (Judy) and brother in law Doril Moon. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, James Hays, Bre’anya Hays, William Hall Courtney Hall, Bethany Hays, Eleanor Hays, John Vance, Alfonso Vance and Genevieve Endicott, Also four Great grandchildren, Evan, Charlie, Collins and Axil.
Leonard is preceded in death by his parents and son, Bruce Evans Hays, who while serving in Afghanistan, paid the ultimate price. Also by brothers Virgil Hays and Manning Hays, Sisters Oletha Hays Nabors, Edwina Hays Moon and Rosalie Hays Ivins.
After honorable discharges from two enlistments in the United States Marine Corp, Leonard earned a Bachelor of Arts, Master’s Degree and a Doctorate. During his thirty-four years in the field of education he served as a high school social studies teacher, community college instructor, high school principal, superintendent, associate superintendent and university professor.
As a faithful and true follower of Christ, Leonard served most of his adult life as a deacon, adult Sunday school teacher and home Bible study leader. He was an avid reader, coin collector and loved working crossword puzzles.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Gideon’s International Processing Center, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or Alzheimer Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
A special thank you is extended by the family to Arbors of Del Rey Memory Care Home, Amber Care Hospice and Getz Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave, Las Cruces, NM on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 3:00 pm.
Arrangements by Getz funeral home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign our local online guest books, go to www.GetzCares.com

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