Thomas 'Jerry' Hays

Catlin- Thomas G. Jerry” Hays 75, of Catlin, IL left this life at 3:11 p.m. on Wed. ( Dec. 10, 2014 ) at St. Vincents Hospital in Indianapolis. He was the son of Thomas and Leotta Smith Hays . He married Hilda Gouty on April 11, 1962 in Danville, IL she survives. Also surviving is a son Chad (Ruth) Hays of Catlin, IL; 2 daughters Carla (Dean) Modglin of Muskego, WI, and Karen (Mike) Ostaffe of Maple Grove, MN. 8 grandchildren Leighton and Caleb Peavler, Damon Hays, Grace and Evan Modglin, and Kate, Michael, and Xander Ostaffe. 2 great grandsons Greyson and Wesley Peavler. A sister Marilyn (Jerry) Atkins of Iowa City, IA. A Niece Wendy (Doug) Taylor of Chandler, AZ and 2 nephews Eric (Carlyn) Atkins and Brian (Laurie) Atkins all of Lake Forest, IL. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers James and Robert Hays. Jerry was a graduate of Oakwood High School and attended Danville Junior College. He was maintenance supervisor at the Vermilion Power station in Oakwood, Il for the Illinois Power Company for over 40 years. Under his supervision, the plant was awarded numerous company wide safety awards. He was past president of the Catlin Little League. He was a member of the Illinois National Guard and the Catlin American Legion. He was a very accomplished master craftsman who could tackle any project or task. He was jokingly known by his family as a mathematical genius. Jerrys dedication to and love for his family was extraordinary. He was a loyal friend, led by example and had a tireless work ethic, and employed the quick wit and enduring smile of a man who thoroughly enjoyed life. A Celebration of Jerrys life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville. Officiating Darren Johnson: . Burial will be at Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin,IL. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 PM on Friday and one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Saturday. Memorial Contributions in his name may be made to Presence USMC Foundation/Faith in Action and to the Catlin American Legion. Please join the family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on Jerrys tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.