Lewis A. Hays

Lewis A. Hays, 77, of Hovis Lane, Franklin died at 1:00 AM, September 08, 2013 at Sugar Creek Station in Franklin. Born January 20, 1936 in Polk, PA, he was the son of the late James and Inez (Ferguson) Hays. Lewis was married on August 27, 1955 to the former Joyce Hovis, who survives. Mr. Hays proudly served his country in the Army Reserves. He was employed as an electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local #5 for 40 years until his retirement in 1995. In his lifetime, Lewis prided himself in building the family homes. He enjoyed traveling with his family, yard work, gardening, and hunting. He especially enjoyed trains. Lewis loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Joyce Hays, Lewis is survived by his children, Michael L. Hays and his wife, Lisa of Franklin, Susan M. Newton and her husband, Donald of Cooperstown, and Kimber M. Snyder of Franklin; eight grandchildren, Brandi Cherry and her husband, Michael of Franklin, Heidi Thomas and her husband, Michael of Franklin, Chad Phillips and his wife, Ashleigh of Cooperstown, Michael Hays, Jr. and his fiance, Tiffany Swires of Franklin, Kristy Thompson and her husband, Dustin of Franklin, Jennifer Johnson of Franklin, Ashley Snyder of Franklin, and Kristen White of Franklin; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, James Clair Hays, Jr. of Sandy Lake; sister-in-law Joan Attleberger of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; his son Donald Hays, on September 23, 1982; sister, Lillian (Bell) Hays; and brother, William Hays. Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on, Tuesday, September 10, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m and Wednesday, September 11, 2013 from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home with the Rev. Randy Kightlinger, Chaplain of the Venango County VNA Hospice and Sugar Creek Station officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. Interment will be in Old Sandy Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Station Blvd, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5507. To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.