Vinton “Gabby” Hays, 73 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Gabby was a life-long East Des Moines resident and graduated from East High School in 1967. He proudly served our country in the Iowa Air National Guard from 1968 to 1974, where he was a jet mechanic. Gabby retired from Titan Tire in 2011 after 43 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsmen that had a love of hunting pheasant, quail, and deer, and fishing farm ponds and lakes. Gabby’s other hobbies include: traveling (his favorite city was New Orleans), woodworking, attending auctions, telling jokes and long stories, and repairing basically anything that was in need.
Gabby is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jennifer; daughter, Heather Hays of Des Moines; son, Tad Hays (Sarah) of Liberty, MO; two granddaughters, Ella Hays and Reese Hays of Liberty, MO; and brother, Clay Hays (Linda) of San Antonio, TX. He’s also survived by many loving sister and brother in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends. Gabby was preceded in death by his parents, Ron “Sailor” and June Hays; brother, Ron Hays; sister, Vyla Frankford; and his in-laws, Carl and Dee Selzer.
Services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1001 S. James St, Grimes, IA 50111 on Saturday, April 29. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 2 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church or to the family for a memorial honoring Gabby.
