Charles H. Hays

Charles H. Hays, 83, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, in his birthplace of Columbus, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his father Charles M. Hays, mother Dorcas Lowden Hays, brother Duane Hays, nephew Scott Hays, brothers-in-law John, Jim and Jere Shough. He is survived by his loving wife Janice of 60 years; two daughters, Cheryl Good with grandchildren Luke and Chase; Heather (Stephen) Sugar with grandchildren Joseph and Hannah; brother-in-law Jeff (Sue) Shough; sisters-in-law Carol Hays, Janie Shough, Sally Shough and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Faith and family were very important to Charlie. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a devoted Christian who lived accordingly to his favorite verse Psalm 118:24- "This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and showing his support in their activities.

Charles served 6 years in the 160th Air National Guard in Wilmington, Ohio assigned to the Combat Support Squadron. From early childhood he was interested in photography and took an internship at The Columbus Dispatch during the summer of his senior year of high school and was hired full-time after graduating from High School in 1962. In his 42 years at The Columbus Dispatch, he covered many assignments including sports, society, political conventions, Mayors, Governors, U.S. Presidents, actors and actresses, and breaking news stories and retired in 2005.

His passion for photography continued in retirement taking pictures of flowers, birds and squirrels and his walls are decorated with his photographs. Charles was a member of the Quarter Century Club, Columbus Maennerchor, Old North Hi Club, New England #4 Lodge, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, and Aladdin Shrine.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road Columbus, Ohio 43221 from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral service will be at 10 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025. Interment at Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Aladdin Shrine Crippled Children's Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/lexington, Michael J. Fox Foundation at https://www.michaeljfox.org/ or Kobacker House at https://www.ohiohealth.com/ohiohealth-foundation/giving-options/