Joe David Hay

Joe was born on his grandparents' farm near Marshall, Oklahoma on April 23, 1936. He was the eldest son of Cecilia and John Hay. The family moved to Oregon to farm, when Joe was 18-months old. Joe always said he was an O.I.O. -- Oregon Improved Okie.

Joe graduated from Salem High School, Oregon State University, then joined the National Guard. Upon leaving the military service he became a county agent in Morrow County, Oregon working in 4-H and agriculture. After 4 1/2 years, he accepted a position with the Oregon Farm Bureau and represented the Federation in seven Eastern Oregon counties. He heard of a job opening with the Oregon Department of Transportation and was hired. He was their only agronomist at that time and was responsible for maintaining the roadsides along the highways and teaching Spray School, until his retirement in 1992.

Joe was always a farmer at heart and was known for his love for collecting all things John Deere. He restored his family's John Deere Tractor Model 60.

Joe married Lorraine Tautfest on July 16, 1961. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage, until her passing.

On December 12, 2020, Joe married Darlene Salter. They enjoyed love and happiness from the first day to the very last.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, by Lorraine, and by his sister, Valleta. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his daughter, Shelly; his grandsons, Nathaniel (Kymmery) and Nicholas (Brittany); his granddaughter, Tia; his great-granddaughter, Lillian; his great-grandson, Braxtyn; and a great-granddaughter due later this year. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Marvin) Stoller; his brother, James Hay; Darlene's sons, Todd Beal and Steven (Jennifer) Beal and their children. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation for Joe will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, 1350 Commercial Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97302. A memorial service will occur Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Salem First Baptist Church, 395 Marion St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301. Joe will be laid to rest in Restlawn Memory Gardens.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Oregon Vintage Machinery Museum (c/o Kathy Gallant / 9550 SE 282nd, Boring, Oregon 97009). The museum was a cause near and dear to Joe's heart.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Hay family.