Vance Hays

Funeral services for Vance Charles Hays, age 80 of Olla, LA will be held at 2 PM Thursday, June 4, 2015 from the chapel of Riser Funeral Home, Olla, LA with Bro. Bob McIlwain officiating and Harry Polly delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow at Beech Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Riser Funeral Home, Olla, LA from 5 PM to 8 PM. Van C. Hays passed from this life May 31, 2015 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends and those who loved him in life. He was born March 16, 1935 in Olla, LA to the union of Marshall and Irma Hays. He married his wife and lifelong partner, Geneva Hays, on July 22, 1953. Van graduated LaSalle High School and went on to a long distinguished career in the pipeline construction and engineering fields. He traveled the world, including the middle east in Abadan, Iran, and Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and donut shop operator. He and his wife owned and operated numerous successful businesses in the local community, including H & N Building Supply (at the current site of the Olla Fire Dept.), the Donut Shop, and Louisiana Cypress Products. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Geneva Hays of Olla; three sons: Brent Hays and wife, Deborah of Frisco, TX, Scott Hays and wife, Mary of Mexico, MO, and Alan Hays and wife, Nellie of Houston, TX. Nieces and nephews: Harry Polly and wife, Jayne of Austin, TX, Pam Hancock and husband, Donnie of Denton, TX, Charlie Polly of Dallas, TX, Bart McGuffee and wife, Ilene of Olla, LA, Lisa Edwards and Drew of Houston, TX and lifelong friend of the family, Vic Young and wife, Nicole of Spicewood, TX and his constant companion in his later years, Pete, his dog that brought him many hours of comfort and joy. Two grandsons: Brooks Hays of Denton, TX and Justin Hays of Hawaii. Four granddaughters: Valerie Felty of Plano, TX, Cristine Coffee of Carrollton, TX, Vanessa hays of St. Louis, MO, and Nicole Yates of Huntsville, Al. Six great-grandchildren and numerous cousins. In lieu of flowers any planned memorials may be made to Pilots for Patients, 3127 Mercedes Dr. Monroe, LA 71201.