David Samuel Hays

David Samuel Hays, Vernon Twp. formerly of Cochranton, Geneva and Sheakleyville area  passed away on Monday morning, February 24, 2020 at the Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community.  He was 79.

He was born on August 27, 1940 in Deer Creek Twp. as the oldest child of the late Samuel and Leora (Turner) Hays. On February 13, 1965 he married the former Bonnie Jean Bailey who preceded her in death on September 28, 2015.  On January 16, 2016 he subsequently married JoAn Elizabeth Bissell / Norr, who survives.  He had operated a lumber business , had been the owner of  the former Village Disposal of Cochranton and had retired a long distance truck driver.  He attended the Faith United Methodist Church, Geneva where he had served on several boards. David had honorably served two four years enlistments with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant and Administrative Assistant.

David is remembered as a fun loving guy who never met a stranger, he loved car races and enjoyed making picture frames to display the vintage vehicles that JoAn had painted for him.  He enjoyed country music and had played guitar in several local bands over the years.

He is survived his wife JoAn; his  siblings, Elizabeth (Howard) Woodcock, Meadville, Eleanor (Jack) Free, Orangeville, Oh, Joyce Hays, North East, Robert (Marie) Hays, Atlantic and John Hays, Atlantic.  He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, Albert Hays, Dale Hays, Richard Hays and James Hays and 3 sisters, Marilee Swope, Beverly Whitman McCord and Leora “Katie”Aikens.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 3223 Perry Hwy., Sheakleyville with Larry Miller, pastor of the Faith United Methodist Church officiating.  He will be laid to rest with Military honors accorded at the Greenfield Cemetery.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and may share memories and condolences with the family at www.snyderfh.com.  A meal is to follow the graveside services at the Greenwood Vol. Fire Department.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Samuel Hays, please visit our floral store.