Johnny Wayne Hayes

Johnny Wayne Hayes, 74, of Fredonia, Kansas passed away January 13, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO with his daughters by his side. Johnny was born on February 21, 1949 to his parents John Henry Hayes and Ruby Griffith (Hayes) in Dermott, AR. He spent the majority of his life in southeast Arkansas; mainly Lake Village where he built a home on Lake Chicot. Johnny was a country man, a family man, and had many things he loved and enjoyed doing. He worked hard imbuing all he did with love. He was talented at anything he set his mind to. He was an excellent athlete and football player. Hunting deer and turkey, fishing, and carpentry projects were among more of his talents, skills and loves. He loved long drives on back country roads with his dog Yoshi, listening to music and watching for wildlife. He was always in awe of nature's beauty and it's where he felt closest to God. He loved being with his siblings, family and friends to share moments around a cup of coffee, a good plate of food, while laughing and sharing stories and tall tales about Johnny Wayne Running Cloud. And no one ever turned down his fish frys at the farm! He enlisted in the Air Force from 1968-1978 where he worked transporting military parts and aircraft parts. Johnny served in the Vietnam War. During his training, Johnny was able to showcase his shooting abilities. Johnny was an excellent marksman qualifying on his rifle and a top shot in his company. After being discharged from the Air Force, Johnny went to work with Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, KS. Johnny was very patriotic and wanted to help his fellow vets. After retiring from Boeing in 2004, Johnny opened a residential care facility called Candlerock just East of Fredonia, Kansas with his partner Lilly Green of 25 years. Candlerock is a place where Johnny was able to help so many of his fellow veterans, or whoever needed a hand. After all these wondrous things about Johnny, the most important thing in his life was always family, especially his children Michael, Heather, and Sara. He was known to share all these wonderful times with them, laughing and always telling the best stories, the funniest stories. Johnny was an amazing man, amazing father; not only to his own children but many others as well, and a pillar of our community that will always be missed but forever in our hearts. Johnny is survived by: Children: Michael Brian Heather Leigh Jessie Hayes Sara Frances Hayes Siblings: Ricky Allen Hayes Rodney Wayne Tony Hayes Hunter Hayes Tammy Lynn Hayes Aunts: Irene Shattuck Freda Prosser 7 Grandchildren Johnny is Preceded in death by his Parents Johnny Henry Hayes, and Ruby Griffith (Hayes), his brother Glenn Thomas Hayes. Cremation has been requested. The Family will be holding a gathering Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 10341 Jewell Rd. Fredonia, KS 66736 from 3:00PM-7:00PM. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736

Johnny Wayne Hayes

February 21, 1949 - January 13, 2024