Charles Eugene Hay

Charles Eugene (Gene) Hay of Edmond, OK went to be with Jesus June 15, 2025 at his home in Deer Creek. Gene was born on March 29, 1937 to Louise and Clouis Hay in Elk City, OK. He was a graduate of Elk City High School, joined the Army National Guard Reserves and attended Oklahoma State University. After two years at Oklahoma State, Gene and his professors agreed that academia probably wasn’t the ideal career path for him, so he accepted a used car sales position in Amarillo, TX where he met the love of his life Patsy at the local Cadillac dealership where she was employed. Gene and Patsy married on Nov 27, 1959 and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

In 1961, Gene was called back to service with the Army National Guard leaving Patsy who was pregnant with their first son Brett in Amarillo while he served at Fort Polk, LA. Upon discharge Gene, Patsy, 3 month old Brett and their dog Ginger packed up their Nash Metropolitan and a trailer and moved to Oklahoma City in 1962. Gene’s skills in sales led him to a few different fields including automotive sales, life insurance, and even vacuum cleaner sales with his greatest accomplishment to date, selling a vacuum cleaner to a lady with dirt floors. In 1967 their son Mark was born.

Gene always said his hardest and best sale was convincing Patsy to marry him. He was a natural salesman and his success, particularly over his 40 years in the life insurance industry, allowed his family the opportunity to travel to many beautiful places and countries over the years. Gene had a passion for cars, guns, horses, hunting and just spending time with his family. He was a member of Putnam City Baptist Church for 61 years, served as a Deacon and was awarded Deacon Emeritus for his many years of service to the church.

Gene is survived by his wife Patsy; Son, Mark & his wife Ashley Hay; Daughter in law, Debbie Hay wife of son Brett Hay.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brett Hay.

A Celebration of Life will take place for Gene at 11:00 am on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at Putnam City Baptist Church located at 11401 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73162.