Thomas (Tom) Edward Hays

Thomas (Tom) Edward Hays, long-time resident of Washtucna, died May 7, 2014, in Colfax.

He was born on Aug. 1, 1927, at a home near Castle Rock, Mont., the youngest of Robert E. (Pudge) and Susie E. Hays’ six children. He grew up in Colstrip, Mont. In 1944 on his 17th birthday he joined the U.S. Navy.

On Dec. 7, 1947, he married Jonnee Hays and with the war being over and as a new married couple, they set out on a new life’s venture to Washtucna, where he found work as an auto mechanic. In 1964 Tom’s Auto Repair was established in Washtucna.

It has been said that he worked hard and had a great reputation as a businessman, a love for his family and friends, a history of telling tall tales and other sorts of stories or song. He felt a true sense of pride in having been a member of the Washtucna Volunteer Fire Department for 43 years.

He is survived by his two sons, Thomas (Tooter) and Elaine Hays of Washtucna and Ron and Rondalin Hays of Vancouver, Wash. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jonnee, in 2006.

A celebration of life will be held at the Washtucna Grange Hall, located on May Street in Washtucna on Saturday, June 28, at 11:30 a.m. with an Honor Guard graveside service at approximately 1 p.m. The family requests all stay following service for dinner, music and stories.