Johnny E. Hayes of Vienna, Missouri was born on Dec. 14, 1929 in Ellis Prairie, Missouri to Herman A. Hayes and Etta Marie (Haney) Hayes and passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at the age of 96 years.
He worked alongside his father at the family sawmill cutting rough-cut lumber. After several years of working with his father, Johnny moved to Maries County due to a new large supply of timber in the area. This led to the eventual opening of his first sawmill.
He moved his family to Vienna, Missouri and built his sawmill business, which became one the largest rough-cut lumber operations in the area.
He built numerous homes and commercial buildings throughout Maries County. One entire street of residential homes he built in Vienna was named Hayes Street.
Over the years, he raised cattle, grew and harvested hay, ran a dump truck operation, owned, rented, and sold countless properties throughout the county. He was also a proud part-owner of a Tennessee Walking Horse that received national recognition and awards.
In his younger years, he loved fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors. Deer season was especially meaningful to him. Family members would gather at his property for deer camp.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott E. Hayes; three brothers, Willard “Wid” Hayes, Wilbert Hayes and Robert “Jack” Hayes; six sisters, Hazel Wheeler, Helen Shelton, Hartis Collins, Tressie Smrek, Dorothy (Kell) Rauscher and Vera (Dixon) Leek; and special sister-in-law, Bettye Hayes.
He is survived by four children, Connie Giacolone and husband Vince of St. James, Missouri, Becky Merx and husband Jim of Cadet, Missouri, Johnny Dean Hayes and wife Nancy of Pacific, Missouri and Dianne Dugan and husband Clay of Charleston, Missouri; 13 grandchildren, Tina Dow, Vince Giacolone Jr., Tony Giacolone, Angela Keehn, Michelle Mitchell, Chris Giacolone, Jimmy Robinson, Cynthia Luhning, Theresa Gage, Matt Hayes, Kim Hayes, John Dugan and David Dugan; 19 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and one on the way; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 14 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri.
Visitation was also held from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Ellis Prairie Baptist Church in Ellis Prairie, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at noon on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the Ellis Prairie Baptist Church in Ellis Prairie, Missouri.
Interment followed at the Ellis Prairie Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri.
