Carl F. Hays Sr, 93, of East Butler passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was born in Chicora on January 22, 1933, to the late Joseph and Mabel (Rodgers) Hays. Carl honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War (1953-1955). He worked at Pullman Standard and maintenance at Butler Area School District.
Carl was a hardworking and simple man, who loved spending time with his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he cherished. He was a member of the East Butler Volunteer Fireman’s Club for 52 Years. He enjoyed spending time at his camp in Tionesta, PA; and enjoyed hunting; woodworking; cutting grass, and he loved ice cream, and a cold Iron City Beer.
Carl was the beloved husband of Pauline (Groves) Hays, whom he married 71 years ago; father of Sharon L. Kelley and Carl F. (Julie) Hays Jr; grandfather of Rhonda (Ryan) Kelley Flinn, Hannah (Chandler Hallwood) Hays and Maggie (James Pool) Hays; great grandfather of Teagan, Rowan and Tristan Flinn. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard (Nancy) Groves, sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Judy Hays, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Along with his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his siblings, Milford, Lester, Richard, Victor, John “Baldy”, Eugene and Donald (Gabby) Hays; Helen Hickey and Mary Birkbichler; and his son-in-law, Mike Kelley.
All services will be held privately through SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001. WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Butler, V.A. Medical Center; Attn: Voluntary Services, 353 N Dufy Rd., Butler, PA 16006: Butler VNA; 154 Hindman Rd., Butler, PA 16001, or East Butler Ambulance Service; PO Box 162, East Butler, PA 16029.