Jene Ellis Hayes of Kansas City, Missouri died peacefully in his home on September 6th, 2017 of natural causes. It was his 90th birthday. Jene had five brothers and was the only surviving son of Susie and Leonard Hayes. He was preceded in death by his brothers Trinith, Donald, Harold, Jerry, and Robert. Jene was born on September 6th, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri where he lived his entire life. He and his five brothers were raised during the depression in an area not far from where he died, that was known to locals as the “dog patch” near 95th and Wornall. He attended Ruskin High School and later served honorably in the Army Medical Corp stationed in Denver, Colorado. He returned to Kansas City after his service and met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Betty Jo Sadler. The happy couple went on to raise three children and enjoy four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
In 1958, after working various jobs including selling life insurance and working in the residential construction business, Jene along with a partner and his brother Don, started a foundation drilling company which eventually became known as Hayes Drilling, Inc. Jene was associated with the company for close to 60 years, working as President of the company and later Chairman of the Board well into his 80’s. He helped guide the company to become one of the most respected drilling contractors in the Midwest. Along the way, Jene became a leader in his industry being credited for helping found the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC) in the early 1970’s. The ADSC has since grown into the largest association of foundation drilling contractors comprising over a thousand international members. Jene served as President of the ADSC in 1974-75 and was inducted into their hall of fame. Jene was also active as a leader in the local construction market serving as President of the Builders Association of Kansas City in 1992. Jene was always proud to be active in community service, serving on the boards of Baptist Medical Center and Baptist Health Midwest, the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Housing Corporation, and many others. Many will also remember him as a scout master and leader of Troop 151 at Holmeswood Baptist Church. He enjoyed a number of sports and hobbies over the years including coaching his children in youth sports, flying airplanes, taking fishing trips to the lake and Canada, duck hunting in Urich, traveling with Betty; including spending winters in Scottsdale, and one of his favorites; golfing with his buddies at Blue Hills Country Club where he served as a member of the Board of Directors and developed many lasting friendships.
Most importantly, Jene was a man of deep faith. He and his wife Betty were founding members of Holmeswood Baptist Church for over 60 years. Jene served as a deacon, chairman of many committees, and was the building committee chairman for every significant project the church undertook. Jene was above all known as a man of integrity and honesty, his word was his bond and everyone knew it. He came from very modest beginnings and through his strong work ethic, humbleness, perseverance, and faith he not only became successful in business but also at life. His wife, children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, and employees witnessed this on a daily basis and will greatly miss his infectious smile and warm heart.
Jene leaves behind a wife of 69 years, his beloved Betty Jo Hayes, for whom he would buy roses every year on their anniversary to symbolize the number of years they had spent together. He also leaves behind his wonderful children; son Michael Hayes and wife Linda, son Douglas Hayes and wife Debbie, and daughter Suzanne Hayes. His beloved grandchildren; Hayley Waynick and her husband Andy, Kristin Hayes, Jaime Hayes, and Samantha Hayes. Jene was blessed to have met two of his great grandchildren, Franklin and Dean Waynick and leaves behind many surviving relatives, including his sister in laws Donna and Barbara Hayes, brother in law Larry Sadler and many friends who love him dearly.
Services will be held at Holmeswood Baptist Church at 9700 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131on Monday September 11th at 11:30 am. A visitation will be held at the church preceding the service from 10:00 am-11:30am. The family suggests donations be made in Jene’s memory to the Holmeswood Baptist Church; send to 9700 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131.
Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5