Howard L. Hays

HOWARD L. HAYS February 14, 1931- January 22, 2016 Howard L. Hays born in Council Bluffs, Iowa passed away on January 22, 2016 in his favorite place, Sarasota, Florida. As an Air Force Veteran in Korea, his final resting place will be at the Sarasota Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors. Born on Valentine's Day, Howard was a loving and generous family man and friend. He took great pride in the accomplishments of all his children and grandchildren and welcomed each addition to the family circle with love. He had a lifelong love of sports from high school teams, to an avid love of golf as a player and a spectator, to his loyalty to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. If there was a game, there was a party at the Hays residence. As the son of a choir director, his devotion to the Presbyterian Church and love for singing in the choir was a big part of his life. Singing solo, ""O Holy Night"" was the highlight of the Christmas Eve Service. Howard led by example. His experience as a Medical Administrative Specialist in Korea set the stage for long successful career as a Healthcare Administrator. Upon return from Korea he married Mary Claire Sharples his junior high sweetheart whom he meet at church camp. He continued his love for helping others by attending the University of Nebraska-Omaha for his bachelors, followed by a Masters of Hospital Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Howard was proud of his of his years as an Associate Administrator at Dallas Parkland and Dallas Presbyterian followed by 25 years at Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, Omaha. It was at Bishop Clarkson where he met Beverly Baptist Monical, and they married on October 11, 1980. Howard retired in 1991 as the Chief Operating Officer. He achieved distinction as a Fellow and Regent in the American College of Healthcare Executives and as President of the Nebraska Hospital Association. Three years after his retirement, he convinced Beverly to retire and moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1994. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Luella, Sisters Virginia and Georgia, and his first wife of 26 years, Mary Claire. Howard is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Beverly who spent every day, all day by Howard's side to provide comfort on behalf of all who loved him which included his four children: Paul, Laura, Mark, Kent and nine grandchildren: Cara, Ben, Ellie, Abbie, Jade, Josh, Jordan, Steven, and Jonathon, 2 Great Grandchildren, his brother, Charles. Many family and friends will forever have a special place in their heart for Howard. Celebration of Life will be on February 1, 2016 at 10:00 am at the Venice Presbyterian Church followed by a private ceremony at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Donations may be made to Sarasota Memorial Hospital Foundation. Service Information Date: Monday, February 1, 2016 Time: 10:00 am Venice Presbyterian Church Address: 111 Firenze Avenue E., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Monday, February 1, 2016 Time: 1:30 pm