Larry Marvin Hayes

Larry Marvin Hayes of Emporia died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor.  He was 85 and a lifelong resident of Emporia.

Larry was born on December 27, 1939, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of David Alfred and Ethel Irene Lawson Hayes.  He married Beverly Lewis on October 2, 1960, in Emporia.  They later divorced.  He married Connie Stever on November 17, 1990, in Emporia.  She died on January 11, 2018, in Emporia.

Surviving family members include his son Brad Hayes; daughter, Tricia Hayes; stepdaughters, Joanne Priest, Jeanette (Mike) Branam, Janis DeBoer, Julie Leydens. Thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother, John (Janet) Hayes of Leawood; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Connie Hayes, son Jerry Hayes, brothers Leslie, Wayne, David, Walt, Virgil, and sister Judy.

Larry life consisted of farming, cattle and trucking. In addition, he had established a custom haying and harvesting business primarily serving the surrounding areas of Olpe where many lasting friendships were formed.  Former employers included Gibson Brothers Haying as a teenager and working at Emporia Livestock on sale days. Hauling cattle for Peak and Dial as well as Floyd P. Mounkes in earlier years. He also drove for Dolly Madison. He was employed also by George Myers Construction operating heavy equipment. He enjoyed running the road grader doing precision dirt grading on highway projects. Larry was later employed by the City of Emporia to operate the roll off truck from which he retired. During his employment with the city in the fall and winter months he drove a truck hauling hay for John Waechter on the weekends. After retirement he drove part time for Kelley Farr.  He was a longtime member of the Victory Fellowship Church and was known in the community as Larry the Tomato Man.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home with the service at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery south of Emporia.  Memorial contributions to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.