Harvey Gordon Hays

Gordon Hays, dedicated Dad, Grandaddy, and Husband, passed away on April 7, 2026, at the age of 83.

Gordon was born the youngest of five siblings on October 2, 1942, in Lamesa Texas. He and his wife, Lenell, were married 61 years. They lived in Ballinger where they raised their daughters, Kathy and Kristy. Gordon spent his life as a rancher and farmer in and around Runnels County. 

Gordon loved the Lord, his wife, his girls, their husbands and all the grandkids. He also loved his extended family and friends who might as well be family. He loved the land, being on a horse, his livestock, two-stepping with Lenell, rodeos and compliments on his barbeque. He was proud, generous, and serious but also witty. He loved telling stories about “the old west” and the “good ‘ol days” and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Lenell Eschberger Hays. Also, his parents, Clarence Blair Hays and Gladys Hardegree Hays, two infant sons Stacy Lynn and Kelly Wayne Hays, siblings Bill Hays (Dorothy), Keva Lou Hancock (Jack), John Hays (Betty dec. 1984) (Karen), and Peggy Robertson. Gordon was a favorite of Lenell’s family as well, sisters in law, Evelyn Kunkel, Dorothy Hahn (Erwin), Emily Krieg (Norman), Paulene Hutchinson, Elna Weise (Wilton), Clara Lois Robbins (Joe), Eldon Eschberger (Patti) and brother-in law Herb Hunter.

Gordon is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Fairbanks (John) and Kristy Chadwell (Billy), grandkids Logan and Hayley Chadwell, Kendal Subia (Nando), Jacob Psutka, Sarah Perry (Graham) and great grandkids Clifford, Hannah, and John, Garrett Fairbanks (Megan and great grandchild Russell), also, his sister in law Irene Hunter, brothers in law Bill Hutchinson and Eugene Robertson as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many great friends.

A memorial service celebrating Gordon will be held on Saturday, April 11th, at 11:00 am at the First Methodist Church in Ballinger, Texas with Gary Booth officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the First Methodist Church of Ballinger (1501 N. Broadway Ballinger, TX 76821), or a charity of your choice.