Garner Gene Hays

June 20, 1941 - February 10, 2022

Garner Gene Hays passed away on February 10, 2022 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Garner was born to Garner Smith Hays and Dorothy Mae Hill on June 20, 1941 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He worked in many different careers, starting with serving in the Air Force and ended as a custodian at First Baptist Church before retiring. On March 13, 1985, he married the love of his life, Mary Lee Hays. He received numerous awards for writing, courtesy awards at sears, and awards at Jet Engine School. Garner enjoyed writing poetry, short stories, photography, nascar racing, shooting pool, college football, and most importantly, teaching Sunday school, because he loved the lord and sharing it with others. Garner was preceeded in death by his wife, Mary Lee Hays, that he is now reunited with in heaven; father, Garner Smith Hays; Mother, Dorothy Mae Olson; and step father, George A. Olson. He was survived by his brother, Dale K. Hays; sons, Sean Hays and wife Stacey, John Wayne Mericle and wife Debbie, Robert Mericle and wife Yin; daughters, Gina and husband Carter Hall, Judy and husband Allen Hill; 16 grandchildren, many friends, and his beloved cat Elmer. Services will be held at the Stumpff Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 2PM. In Leu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or The First Baptist Church of Bartlesville’s family life center (405 S Cherokee Ave, Bartlesville, OK 74003).