David Hays

David Hays, 65 of Viborg, passed away on November 9, 2023 at his home at Lifescape. Services will be held at a later date.

David Arthur Hays, son of Lucille and John D. Hays, joined his big brother Johnny on November 10, 1957.

Born in Eureka, KS., and raised on the family farm near Hamilton, KS. He went to school at Flint Hills Special Education in Emporia, KS., and graduated from the Emporia Special Education high School in 1978.

David was always busy on the farm, helping to milk cows, feeding calves, chickens, and his dogs Spotty and Bear. He enjoyed doing his “jobs” on the farm and especially helping his momma. He liked riding his horse, Francis, and moving cattle from pasture to pasture. But not riding Francis for pleasure, with David everything had to have a reason.

In November 2002, David came to Viborg to live with Johnny and Geneva. David really blossomed. He always called Johnitta his girl, and Aaron, his buddy, Lane his little buddy, Ty his cutie, and Justin his little one.

He liked to go camping with his family and enjoyed many fun adventures with them. David volunteered at the Viborg City Hall in Viborg for a few years and always helped in Johnny’s Welding Shop by cleaning and visiting with all of the customers who stopped. The shop has never been as clean as it was since David stopped cleaning. David’s best times were going with his buddy Aaron to sell pigs or run for parts. The time was spent laughing at each other’s jokes. David never wanted to hold babies, but he held Ty and Justin. He took great pride in helping his girl “babysit”. When David needed specialized care, he moved to Lifescape in Sioux Falls.

David will be greatly missed. He is survived by his brother Johnny (Geneva); niece Johnitta (Aaron) Van Hull; great nephews Lane (Ellie), Ty, and Justin Van Hull; great-great nephew Knox and great-great niece Jade Van Hull; nephew Robert Hays and niece Sheila Boll; and many more great nieces and nephews; two aunts Alean Clemmer and Doreen (Don) Homewood.

David is preceded in death by his parents; nephews Jacky and Carl Hays; great-nephew Christopher Hale and great-niece Bobbi Hays.