Jackie Lee Hays, 68, of Pendleton, passed away on May 23, 2012, at St. Johns Health System, Anderson, after an extended illness. He was born July 12, 1943, in Decatur, Ill., and resided in this area for eight years.

 Jackie served his country in the US Marine Corp. He retired from Eastern Illinois University as a mechanic. Jackie enjoyed fishing and going to the American Legion.

 He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary (Ebner) Hays; children, Robert (Ann) Hays, Rusty (Kim) Hays, Jackie Lynn (Fraya) Grissom and Kelly (Eric) Husher; siblings, Lester Hays, Ronnie Hays and Judy Kay Schumaker; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild with one due in August; and special friends, Randy and Kay Price and daughter Kim, Brent and Julie Walsh and Sam and Dee Matthews.

 Cremation will take place with a private Celebration of Life Party in July. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. www.LooseCares.com