Alvin Eugene "Gene" Hays was born October 31, 1934, in Apache to Alonzo and Cleo Belle (Clayton) Hays and passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Corn Heritage Village in Corn, at the age of 86 years, 3 months and 1 day.

Gene was raised and attended school in Friend and graduated from Friend High School in 1952.  He attended Southwestern State College for 2 years.  Gene married Dixie Glee Gastineau on May 26, 1956, in Lenora and made their home in Weatherford.  He entered the National Guard and started teaching in 1954.  In 1956, he opened Gene's Auto Clinic until the mid 80's.  Gene hired on to the Weatherford Fire Department and worked for 28 years before retiring in 1994.  Gene enjoyed going on fishing trips, being a fireman, working with his hands and spending time with family and friends.  He was a loving Daddy, Grandad and friend to all and will be dearly missed.

Gene is survived by two daughters, Debbie Smith and husband, James of Foss Lake and Susan Druba and husband, Greg of Binger; a sister-in-law, Ardith Gastineau of Weatherford; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and his brother, A.C. "Lonnie".