OBITUARY
Walter Ermann Hays
August 9, 1939 – January 6, 2021
Walter Ermann Hays passed away peacefully on January 6, 2021 at his home with his family by his side.
Walter was was born in Erlangen, Germany on August 9, 1939 as Walter Ermann to biological parents Frederich Ermann and Margaretha Lemberger, who both preceded him in death. Walter is also preceded in death by brother’s Herbert Ermann and his twin brother Gerhardt Ermann and is survived by one brother who still resides in Germany, Heinz Ermann.
At the end of World War II, Major Miles M. Hays adopted Walter and changed his name to Walter E. Hays. Walter grew up in Killeen Texas on the army base with his father. He graduated from Killeen High School and married Carolyn Ann (Henderson) Hays with whom he had 3 children. The family moved to Houston in 1962 where Walter worked in the construction business. His true calling however was becoming a cop. In 1967, he applied to the Pasadena Police Academy, joining the Pasadena Police Department upon completion, where he served for 32 years. Walter retired as a Sergeant with numerous awards.
Walter E. Hays is preceded in death by his father Miles M. Hays and his first wife of 31 years, Carolyn Hays.
Walter is survived by his wife of 28 years Gail Lynne Hays; his children Troy Hays and wife Melissa, Lisa Lambright and husband David, Tanya Swanson, Shawn Golden, Tammie Williams and husband Eddie; five grandchildren Bryan Swanson, Heather Page, Michelle Racey, Taylor Hays, and Sarrah Golden; four great grandchildren Mason and Emma Page, and Brooklynn and Jax Racey. He is also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be missed dearly by so many. Services will be at First Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas on January 9, 2021 at 11am. Interment will follow at Grand View Cemetery. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the home health care providers Kiki, Lola, Loleta, and Village Hospice. They have become more like a family during this last eighteen months of Walters illness.
Services
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Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, January 9, 2021
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Graveside Service
Saturday, January 9, 2021
Memories
Walter Ermann Hays
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ADD A MEMORYRick Sulik
January 13, 2021
Sgt. Walt Hays was my Evening Shift supervisor for a number of years after I came over from the Houston Police Department in 1981.
Every officer respected him, and knew when things 'hit-the-fan' out on the streets, you could count on him to be your 'back-up sergeant.'
He was, to many of us, a true leader of men.
It was an honor, and a privilege to have known, Sgt. Hays, and to have worked with such a 'high-caliber' police officer, and human being.
Frank Glaze
January 9, 2021
Gail,
We’ve spoken on FaceTime a few times when Hannelore has called.
The first time I met the German arm of the Ermann family was September 2012 in Erlangen. At the time, Heinz and Rosie were still living in Erlangen so a small family get-together was easy to arrange.
I am attaching two fotos I took at the time. The fist shows (from the left) Hannelore, widow of Herbert, Ursula, widow of Gerhardt, and Heinz. The second was taken later on the same day and shows Heinz admiring a foto of Walter with a birthday cake. It looks as if Heinz was wanting to give his little brother a big kiss!
I never had the chance to meet Walter in person but I have only ever heard good things about him.
My thoughts are with you and together with Hannelore we will doubtless be speaking on FaceTime in the not-too-distant future.
Until then, take care and God bless.
Frank
David Hyde
January 9, 2021
Sgt. Hays was my supervisor on Evening Shift. I felt like he always had your back. I never called him Walt, well once I did when we were at a Houston Gamblers football game (USFL) with a bunch of guys from Evening Shift. He gave me a look like I had lost my mind. Everybody started laughing. I will always remember that time and the time he wanted to shoot me for trying to fix the brand new ambulance's spotlight and instead accidentally blew the fuse disabling the high idle. He was always Sgt. Hays to me. He sure will be missed by many.
C Miller
January 9, 2021
I worked with Walt for a number of years, both in narcotics and as patrol sergeants. He was a great guy and always made sure those he supervised did the right thing. My thoughts are with Gail and family.
Karin Schwarzfärber (Ermann)
January 9, 2021
Dear Gail and Family,
it is very sad to hear about Walter´s passing.
We are thinking of him at his place of birth in Erlangen (Germany) and light a candle for Walter.
Unfortunately, we cannot attend the funeral in person but our thoughts are with you.
May God’s blessings be with you all.
Remember in silent.
Karin, Helmut and Laura
Ursula and Werner
From Erlangen
Joan McCammon Walker
January 8, 2021
I knew Hayes as my Mother called him and She respected and loved him. My Mother, Lillian McCammon Billingsley was the secretary of the Narcotics Division. She called all the guys...” Her Boys”. They were great to her and she loved them all. May the Lord comfort his family and help you through this rough time. I’m sure She was there waiting to greet him in Heaven. My condolences, Joan Walker. ( little Lillian) p.s. I always thought he was the Best looking man.😊🙏🏼💕
Ross Eliason
January 8, 2021
There are no words to truly offer much comfort at a time as this but know that so many, particularly me, will remember Walt with admiration, fond memories, and the utmost professional respect as a fellow police officer; he definitely was one of the best! Gail, I have much admiration for you to have stayed by his side, taking such loving care of him under a very difficult situation; you are truly an Angel!
Jack Fry
January 8, 2021
I had the privilege and pleasure to work with Walt for many years. Walt checked all of the boxes for what a police officer should be. Walt had the respect of all officers and made everyone he worked with better. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Jack Fry
Pete Ringo
January 8, 2021
It is with great sadness hearing of my great friend, Walt's passing. He and I had some good times on and off the golf course.
Nancy and I express our condolences and prayers for you and family. God put your comforting arms around them.
Hannelore Ermann
January 8, 2021
Dear Gail and Family,
It was with great sadness that we received the news of Walter's passing.
Unfortunately, current circumstances do not allow us to comfort you in person, but please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
May God’s blessings be with you all.
Hannelore and Family
Carol Wilburn
January 8, 2021
May the Perpetual light shine upon you Walt and may you Rest In
Peace. You will be greatly missed dear neighbor.
James Brewton
January 8, 2021
Gail, I’m sorry to hear that Walt passed away! He was the true Policeman’s Policeman because he was always there to help and support the Officers that he worked with and Supervised. He was there to help and support me when I was transferred from Night Shift to Evenings Shift Patrol as a young Patrol Sergeant. He was well respected within the Police Dept. as you well know. May God Bless you and your family.
Jamie Brewton
Rex & Janie Wright
January 8, 2021
Gail, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this time of grief.
R P MYERS
January 8, 2021
When I was a rookie, Sergeant Hays [I never called him Walt when I worked for him, so I can't now. Doesn't seem natural] was supporting and helped me through some rough spots. He was always supportive of his officers when they were in the right, and, if he thought you were worthy, he supported you when you were wrong. He was one of the rare supervisors who cared. I will always love and respect 'Buffalo' God Bless you Sarge, see you in Heaven.
Kenny Adams
January 7, 2021
I wanted to offer my condolences to Walt's family. His career with the department was one of leadership and great humility. The man always enjoyed his work and the people around him. His character was just as spotless as his uniform!
Tim Smith
January 7, 2021
He scared me to death just by walking into the room. He decided I needed some time on the front desk because I took to many days off to get married. He said Smitty, you have a hundred years to live with that woman, you need to be at work. As my tenure grew so did our friendship. I was able to really get to know him through work and golf. He was as good of person as he was a sergeant. Old school policeman, through and through but the fairest, most honorable man one could meet. As a very young officer Buffalo Walt Hays was bigger than life to me, now as I’m old, he still is. He still has one of the greatest radio transmissions I have ever heard,. Evening shift patrol was pretty calm at the time then it all broke lose when he excitedly got on the radio and said “Someone bring me some bullets, I’m almost out” Who does that? Buffalo Hays. RIP my brother, your still the man, now and forever.
Rebecca Ellis
January 7, 2021
Dear Gail & family,
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the Lord give you strength & sustain you in the days ahead.
Becky Means Ellis
Ralph McAninch
January 7, 2021
Gail, I am so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. Walt was a good man, a good policeman , and an even better mentor to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Buster Stone
January 7, 2021
Gail, I am so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. I worked with him for many years and considered him a good friend and was very proud to have known and worked with him.
He was what I would call “rare” when it can to supervisors in the sense he had a connection with many of his men/women who worked for him.
God’s Blessings to you, your family, and to Walt.
Steve Vaughn
January 7, 2021
I worked for Walt as a Patrolman and then with Walt on Evening shift patrol as a Sergeant and always thought highly of him. Rest in Peace Walt.
Cherie Green
January 7, 2021
Sgt. Hays was just an all around good guy. My very deepest sympathy to Gail and the family... Cherie Littlejohn Green
Ginny Wagner
January 7, 2021
We love Walt Hays and his beautiful wife and family ! God bless you all !