Donald Lee “Gabby” Hays

Donald Lee “Gabby” Hays, 78, of Mottern Rd., Chicora (Oakland Twp.) passed away Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in Oakland following a lengthy illness.

Born October 13, 1938 in Donegal, Butler County, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mabel Rodgers Hays. He was married for 59 years to Judy Mottern Hays who survives.

Gabby worked at Pullman Standard and then at Trinity. He then owned and operated many different businesses in the Butler Area. He was a member of the North Butler Presbyterian Church. A Veteran of the Army, he was a member of the American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora, He was also a member of the Moose Lodge # 64 in Butler and a former Oakland Twp. Supervisor. He enjoyed the river, his farm and the barn, and following his children and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events.

In addition to his wife, Judy, survivors include daughter, Vallerie (Paul) Hammond of West Monterey; three sons, Carl (Bev) Hays of Chicora, Rick Hays of Herman, Rod (Lisa) Hays of Chicora; sister, Helen Hickey of Butler; two brothers, John “Baldy” (Dorothy) Hays of Lyndora, Carl (Pauline) Hays of East Butler; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, four brothers, and a daughter in law, Michele Hays.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday December 20 from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Young Funeral Home Main St. Butler. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11:00 am with his pastor, Rev. Mary Kitchen officiating. Interment will follow in the North Butler Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Military rites will be offered by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Arrangements have been entrusted to his nephew, Robert Marshall at the Marshall Funeral Home, Wampum. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.