William (Bill) Davis Hayes of Kirksville, MO born on December 15, 1961 at Grim Smith Hospital in Kirksville, MO, passed away in his home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Bill was a surgical tech for close to 40 years before having to retire due to Parkinson’s Disease. He was well respected in his chosen profession, and worked with many surgeons who would tell you that he was one of the best, if not the best scrub they ever worked with. He took his job very seriously and was a perfectionist at whatever he endeavored. He watched so many videos of surgical procedures – his wife might have qualified for the job as well. He was also a drummer with many bands throughout the years, starting out as his Dad’s drummer at 14 years of age. And, once again, anyone who played with him would tell you he was the steadiest drummer they ever worked with. One old time country star, with whom Bill spontaneously filled in for his drummer, told him his talents were wasted in Missouri, he should be in Nashville.
Bill leaves behind his wife Christine Georgeanne Hayden Hayes whom he married on May 31, 1986 in Knox City, MO. She thought he was the finest man she ever knew! He was a respected and honorable man. Also surviving are his parents William Francis Hayes and Carol Annette (McKenzie) Hayes of Knox City, MO, a sister Ann Elizabeth (Beth) (Larry) Eversole of Breckenridge, MO. Nephew Michael Brandon (Jenny) Eversole of Lake Altima, MO. Uncle Kenny McKenzie of Knox City, MO, Sister-in-law Sharon Kay (Hayden) Whiteaker of Brookfield, MO. Brothers-in-law Michael Lynn Hayden of Stoutsville, MO, Arthur Franklin (Trella) Hayden of Chillicothe, MO, Jerry Lee Hayden of Pacific, MO and Johnny Luther (Suzie) Lott of Bluffs, Il. And many nieces, nephews and greats from this line and many cousins from the Hayes line.
He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Frank & Mabel Hayes, and maternal grandparents Buck & Ruby McKenzie. Mother-in-law Mary Jane Mason Hayden Lott of La Belle, MO. Aunt Helen (Hayes) and Uncle Harry Oldfather of Edina, MO. Uncle Genie Hayes of Knox City, MO and Uncle Richard Hayes of Edina, MO, and Aunt Mary Jane (Simpson) McKenzie of Knox City, MO. Sisters-in-law Katherine Sue (Hayden) Hudnut and Carol Jean (Law) Hayden and Brother Gary Wayne Hayden of Hurdland, MO and Brother-in-law Stanley Hubert Hudnut.
He gave his heart to Jesus so we know he is at peace and out of pain. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and services will begin at 12 Noon at the funeral home. Pastor Jeremy Broach will officiate the services. Burial will be in the Knox City Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Chuck Hayes, Steve Burgener, Cole Chambers, Josh Whiteaker, Michael Eversole and Rick Shuey.
Memorials are suggested to the Northeast Christian High School in Cornerstone Church of Kirksville, MO or Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.