Thomas Parker Hayes, 83, of Branson passed away peacefully on October 19, 2019. Tom is survived by his wife Darlene Widen-Hayes, his daughter Susan Hayes Stephan and her husband James, and his grandchildren, Hannah Stephen and Mara Stephan.

Tom was born on January 19, 1936, in Cleveland, OH, the son of Thomas J. Hayes and Loreta Parker Hayes. He grew up in Shaker Heights, OH. After graduating from Shaker Heights High School in 1954, Tom started college at Denison University, then took leave after two years to join the United States Navy in 1956. He served for the Fourth Naval District and was assigned to the USS Cadmus, where he was stationed until his honorable discharge in 1958. He returned to Denison University and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1960. He went onto earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) at Palmer Chiropractic College, and he worked as a chiropractor for several years before returning to school in 1968 to earn his Juris Doctor (JD) degree at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. After graduating from law school in 1972, Tom moved to Columbus, OH, where he worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio. He then returned Cleveland to work as an attorney in private practice until 1977, at which time he moved to Chicago, Illinois to join Sears, Roebuck & Co. as corporate counsel. While he was at Sears, he met Darlene Widen, to whom he was married on July 5, 1996. In 1997, Tom and Darlene retired from Sears and moved to Branson. Tome greatly enjoyed the Branson community, where he was involved with the Branson Veterans Task Force and the Veterans History Project. He and Darlene were also very involved in the Taneyhills Library and loved attending area shows and attractions. They both had a love for travel and adventure and had the opportunity to travel on all seven continents together, in addition to attending numerous Star Trek conventions.

In addition to his time and travels with Darlene, Tom also counts as his most cherished memories the birth of his daughter Susan in 1965, Jim and Susan’s wedding in 1991, the birth of his granddaughter Hannah in 1994, and the birth of his granddaughter Mara in 1997.

Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, caring father and grandfather, experienced world traveler, and avid Trekkie. Although his time with his family and friends was too short, he would agree that he nonetheless had the opportunity to live long and prosper.

Special thanks to his many friends and care providers who have supported him over the years, including during his recent battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. at Greenlawn Funeral Home at 708 State Highway 248 in Branson, Missouri. A private burial service will take place at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to any animal welfare organization.