Mendon native Ralph Dwain Hays, 84, of Ada, died at 1:53 a.m. Jan. 27, 2010, at his home.

He was born March 1, 1925, in Mendon, to Harold and Almeda Brookhart Hays. On May 30, 1948, he married Beulah Spar, who survives.

Other survivors are four sons, Bruce (Mindy) Hays, Celina, Donald (Peggy) Hays, West Mansfield, Bradley (Debra) Hays, Ada, and Rex (Bonnie) Hays, Churchville, N.Y.; a daughter, Janis Hays Carse, Harrod; a sister, Dortha Baer, Celina; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are two brothers, Dale and Harold Eugene Hays.

He was a farmer. He graduated in 1943 from the former Mendon Union High School and attended Denison University. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served on the USS McCall in the Philippine Islands. He was a member of Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, Ada, where he served on the administrative board. He also was a member of Federal Land Bank Board of Directors, Ohio Northern University Advisory Board for the College of Business Administration, Lions Club, American Legion of Ada, Liberty Conservation Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Ada and Hardin County Draft Board. He also was a former member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Ada, and a current member of the Latham Lodge, Kenton.

Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, the Rev. G. Alan Brown officiating. Burial is at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada, with military services to be conducted by the VFW Honor Guard, Ada.

Calling is 3-8 p.m. Friday and until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to the church.

Condolences can be left at hansonneely@wcoil.com.