Paul Hays passed away May 13, 2024, at the age of 77 years, while surrounded by his loving friends and family. Born in Auburn, Nebraska, on October 19, 1946, and raised on a farm in Watson, Missouri, Paul attended Watson School. He was employed at Missouri Beef Packers in Rock Port, Missouri, and worked for farmers in the Watson/Rock Port area during harvest seasons.   

Paul spent most of his professional career as a certified truck driver hauling freight and farm commodities throughout the U.S. In his later years, Paul owned and operated the Paul Hays Trucking company in Rock Port. A tireless worker and excellent mechanic, Paul was selfless when it came to anyone who needed a helping hand. In his spare time, he loved being with close family, friends and beloved grandchildren and was always quick to recount his latest successes picking winning scratch tickets or hitting a big payout on his favorite slot machine.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, June and Louise (Adams) Hays; brothers, Floyd Hays, Falls City, Nebraska, and James Hays, Eagle Point, Oregon; and sisters, Mary Bowman, Indiana, and Trudy Redfern, Kansas City, Kansas. Those left to mourn his passing include his daughter, Kelley Hays Sandstedt, Phoenix, Arizona; son, Todd Hays, Omaha, Nebraska; granddaughter, Gabbie Sandstedt, Utah; grandson, Adam Hays, Omaha; brother, John Hays, Rock Port; sisters, Winnie Reed, Sanford, Florida, Ilene Harmon, Crescent, Iowa, Janet Kester, Scottsdale, Arizona, twin sister, Paula Calhoun, Omaha, and Janice Hays Giitter, Omaha; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Watson Community Building, Watson. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. There is no scheduled visitation. Memorials may be directed to Paul Hays Memorial Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, Missouri. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.