Billy Vaughn Hayes

Billy Vaughn Hayes, lovingly known as “BV” by his family, passed away on June 23, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 76 years old.

Born on September 24, 1948, in Emporia, Kansas, Billy lived a life marked by quiet strength, a strong sense of duty, and deep commitment to those he loved.

He honorably served as a Staff Sergeant during the Vietnam War, completing two tours. From that defining experience, he carried a lasting sense of discipline and resilience. Later, he continued his service to the country as Deputy Facility Manager at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for the Department of Defense, supporting U.S. operations abroad while living in Germany.

Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Marylou Hayes; his eldest son, Levi Hayes, and Levi’s spouse, Ray Elliott; his youngest son, Jesse Hayes, and Jesse’s wife, Katie Hayes; and his beloved grandson, Lucas Hayes.

In life, Billy enjoyed camping, fishing, and black powder muzzleloading sports. He will be remembered as a steady, principled man…. someone who took his responsibilities seriously and cared deeply for his family. His legacy of service and quiet dedication lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 – 6 pm, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Sawyer Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, July 11th, at Alta Vista Cemetery.

To leave a special memory for the family, please visit www.sawyerchapel. com.