The Rev. Edward M. Hays
The Rev. Edward M. Hays, 84, Leavenworth, died Sunday, April 3, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospice in Kansas City, Mo., after a fall in his home.
He was born Sept. 8, 1931, in Lincoln, Neb., the son of Thomas and Margaret Nye Hays.
The Rev. Hays was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on May 31, 1958. He was an associate pastor at Christ the King Church, Kansas City, and Assumption Church, Topeka. In 1964 he became pastor at St. Dominic Church, Holton. After a year sabbatical in 1971 he was assigned director of Shantivanam Archdiocesan House of Prayer (now Christ’s Peace House of Prayer). Beginning in 1996, he spent five years as chaplain at the Kansas State Correctional Facility in Lansing. He retired from active priesthood in 2001. He was an author of more than 35 books on prayer and spirituality.
Survivors include a brother, Thomas and wife Annette; a sister-in-law, Beverly; five nephews and three nieces and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jane; and a brother, Joseph.
Mass of Resurrection was held Friday with the Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann D.D. as celebrant at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth. Burial followed in Mount Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph of the Valley Church, Leavenworth.
Memorial contributions may be made to Edward Hays Charitable Giving, 1336 Kiowa St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
