Neil Hayes

Neil Allen Hayes, 82, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on November1, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Neil was born on January 28, 1944, in Hutchinson, Kansas to Elmer and Margaret (Dondlinger) Hayes.

Neil married Lynette Geffert on August 27, 1966, in Hutchinson, Kansas. She survives of the home.

He worked as a math teacher and coach at Haven, Hutchinson, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, and McLouth High Schools for over 40 years.

Survivors include his wife, Lynette; children, Scott (Jolene) Hayes; Stacie (Kelley) Hrabe; Kristin (John) Bell; grandchildren, Josie, Gwyneth, and Kai Hayes; Zoey and Violet Hrabe; and James and Sloane Bell; and his siblings Jim Hayes, Jack Hayes, and Marcia McAnarney.

Preceding Neil are his parents, Elmer and Margaret; and brother Bill Hayes.

Neil was a role model to many including his students for whom he cared deeply. He knew coaching and teaching were his calling. He gave many students and players the confidence to overcome challenges and become successful in school and life.

Most important to Neil were his wife, children, grandchildren, and Catholic faith. He enjoyed a wonderful retirement living through the successes, performances, and competitions of his grandchildren and giving many hours of service to Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, Kansas. His love for family and faith helped him battle prostate cancer and Acute Myeloid Leukemia with courage and trust in his medical team who lifted his spirits and helped him preserve a wonderful quality of life.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 6:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, Kansas 66086 with a Visitation to follow until 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following morning on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 10:00 am. Burial to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Tonganoxie and lunch at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Neil's name may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for the Building Fund, or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary; 120 W 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.