Darryl Scott Hayes

Darryl Scott Hayes Jr., affectionately known as D.J., was born on March 29, 1976, in Siloam

Springs, Arkansas, and passed away on April 22, 2023, he passed away in Topeka, Kansas, due to

a tragic car accident. Despite the sorrow of his untimely passing, we choose to remember the

light he brought into the world with his infectious smile, humor, and loving spirit.

Darryl's parents, Darryl Hayes, Sr.(Sheryl Hayes) and Bonnie Gibson (Terry Gibson), both of

Arkansas, welcomed him into the world. He was a proud brother to Calvin Hayes of Kansas,

LaTina Shelley (Brian Shelley) of Oklahoma, Sarah Gibson, Jason Gibson, Colton Hayes (Victoria

Hayes) of Gardner, Kansas and Austin Hayes of Olathe, Kansas. He was also a doting grandson to

his grandparents, Oleta Jane and Alfred Hayes of Arkansas, Dorothy and Calvin Dowdy of

Oklahoma, and Dick and Jerry Wilkins of Garner, KS. Though Darryl lost many loved ones before

him including- all his grandparents except Jerry Wilkins, cousins, his brother-in-law at the time,

his mother-in-law at the time, a niece, his unborn child, his family remained his rock and center

of his world.

Darryl was a loving and devoted father to his children, Maddison Hayes (engaged to Cameron

Edgecomb), Darryl Hayes III (Kalei Hayes), Dylann Hayes, and Isaac Hayes. He made sure to

teach them the importance of laughter, love, and a good poker face. Darryl married Candance

Ryan on February 28, 1998 in the City of Westwood, Kansas. Maddison was a blessing and kept

Darryl on his toes born October 3, 1998. He was a doting, young, new Dad. Darryl divorced

Candance on November 1, 1999. Darryl had residential custody and did everything to provide

for his daughter. He had a lot of family support both in Kansas and Arkansas. On January 1,

2000, he met Allison Phillips in Emporia, Kansas. Darryl moved back to Arkansas about a month

after they met. They dated and had a long-distance relationship until Darryl moved to Topeka,

Kansas in the Fall of 2001. Darryl and Allison married on February 8, 2002 in Topeka, Kansas.

They had Darryl Hayes III (Tre') on June 9, 2002. Dylann Hayes was born on October 17, 2003.

The family lived in a couple of locations in Topeka before moving to Meriden, Kansas. Isaac

came on March 1, 2005. In the fall of 2011, the family moved to Arkansas and then moved back

to Kansas in the summer of 2017, where they resided in Oskaloosa, Kansas. Darryl again

supported his family and did what he had to do to provide. Allison lost a baby at 9 weeks in

November 2016. He supported all his kids' endeavors/activities. Darryl and Allison were

married 21 years before their divorce on Feb. 27, 2023. Even though divorced, they remained

close friends who cared for each other deeply.

Darryl's work history was as diverse as his sense of humor. After he graduated from Olathe

South in the spring of 1994, he joined the Marines. He served from June 2, 1994 to November

27, 1995, which instilled in him a sense of discipline and patriotism that he carried with him

throughout his life. He then went on to work as in various sales and construction jobs. He got

into heating and air work and continued off and on in that business. He was a Walmart

employee and worked his way up to management for a brief stint in his life. He then went into

car sales, where he charmed customers with his wit and humor, making sure they left the lot

with a smile on their faces and a new set of wheels. His career continued in the fields of

semi-trailer sales, tire sales, heating and air, construction, and remodeling, proving that there

was no challenge too great for Darryl to tackle.

His interests were vast and varied, but at the top of the list was his love for God. Darryl believed

without a doubt that Jesus died on the cross for all our sins and rose again in three days. He

was a believer and volunteered in so many areas at the various churches he attended. He was a

current member of Emmaus Baptist in Topeka. Darryl loved his friends and family deeply and

was always willing to help anyone, even strangers. Any kid or baby that came across Darryl felt

his love and attention.

His love for the Kansas City Chiefs. Well, we all know that! KANSAS CITY CHIIIIIIEEEEEFFFFFFS!

Darryl was a devout fan, often seen sporting his Chiefs gear and cheering them on with gusto.

Riding his motorcycle was a pleasure he never got tired of. Sports like softball and golf were

hobbies he absolutely loved, especially goading his competitors. He was also an avid poker

player, and his love for the game was surpassed only by his love for his family and friends.

Fishing was another love of his. His ultimate dreams were to play in a Vegas poker tournament

and to learn to fly planes, which is a testament to his adventurous spirit and zest for life.

Darryl was a selfless, loving, and funny person who had an exceptional ability to make people

laugh, even during difficult times. His comedic timing was impeccable, and his jokes were

always on point, even if they were sometimes a little "dad joke" heavy. But that's what made

Darryl, well, Darryl. He had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up a room.

As we remember Darryl Scott Hayes Jr., let's celebrate the laughter, love, and memories he left

behind. Rather than dwelling on the tragic circumstances of his passing, let's remember him for

the joy and happiness he brought to our lives. Darryl would want us to celebrate his life with

smiles on our faces, jokes on our lips, poker chips in our hands, golf clubs and bats swinging in

the air, and multiple fishing poles in the water.

Rest in peace, Darryl. You will be dearly missed, but your spirit, humor, and love will live on in

the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know you