Kirby Hayes Obituary

Rev. Kirby Clare Hayes, 82, of Baldwin City, KS, passed away on October 18, 2018, surrounded by family. Kirby was born December 15, 1935 to Clare and Lois (Osborne) Hayes. He was the oldest of three boys. His early years were spent in Holyoke and Alamosa, Colorado where his father was the pastor of the United Methodist Church. He and his brother, Kent, spent their days exploring, wading in rivers, climbing trees and hiking mountains. They lived a carefree life. The only rule was to be home by dinner.

The family moved to Kansas where Kirby graduated from Baldwin High School in 1953. Kirby attended Baker University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta. There he met his wife, Margaret (Pinky) Ebright. Pinky was also a preacher's kid, fresh off the boat from India. During Kirby's time at Baker he received the call to ministry. After graduation, Kirby and Pinky got married and headed to Denver, CO, where Kirby attended Illiff School of Theology, receiving his Masters of Divinity. Soon after, they returned to Kansas where Kirby continued his ministry as a Deacon in the United Methodist Kansas East Conference, serving as pastor in Riley, KS, Horton, KS, and Sabetha, KS; and later as the District Superintendent of the Ottawa District. He also spent two years at The Menninger Foundation in Topeka, KS studying pastoral counseling. He excelled in this work and was a beloved and sought after marriage and family counselor. Kirby finished his years as a pastor at Baldwin First UMC, where he was the longest running pastor in church history. Before retiring, Kirby served the conference as a mediator.

Kirby was a man with many interests and passions and had a true sense of adventure. He loved fly fishing, flying planes, meditation, social justice, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, travel, politics, and Native American culture. He was an avid reader and volunteer, serving on many boards and committees in his community.

Most of all, Kirby loved his family; nurturing and encouraging his three children. Kirby often told his daughters how proud he was for the good work they do in the social service field and he'd repeatedly say "God Bless You" when they discussed their work. But his happy place was on Robin's ranch in Colorado. From the time Robin was six, Kirby nurtured his love of horses. He loved riding side by side with his son, getting up early to round up cattle, attending horse shows; and even cleaning stalls.

Kirby had a special relationship with each of his "above average" grandchildren, supporting their interests, cheering them on and guiding them through hard times and tough decisions. He was enthralled with his great grandchildren. Named "Bear" by his oldest great grandson, he ran and played with them until he could no longer do so.

A man of deep faith, with a love for the natural world, Kirby will be remembered for his service, his compassion and his love of family. He will be greatly missed.

Kirby is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret (Pinky) Hayes of the home; his three children: Vicky Leitnaker of Lenexa, Becky Price (Jeff) of Lawrence, and Robin Hayes (Mary) of Orchard, Colorado; his two brothers: Kent Hayes (Ginger) of Lawrence, and Kenneth Hayes (Lou Ann) of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandchildren: Paige Badgett (John), Allison Haynes (Paul), Brittany Price, Evan Leitnaker (Carly), and Nathan Hayes; four great-grandchildren: Henry Haynes, Benjamin Badgett, Tannie Haynes, and a great granddaughter on the way.

Kirby was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Skyler Price, and his son-in-law, Craig Leitnaker.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 26 in Baldwin City, KS at Baldwin First United Methodist Church. The family will receive guests in the chapel at 1:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) or Baldwin First United Methodist Church, where Kirby held membership since boyhood.