Johnny E. Hayes, of Vienna, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 at the age of 96.
He was born on Dec. 14, 1929 in Ellis Prairie, Missouri to the late Herman A. Hayes and Etta Marie (Haney) Hayes. In addition to his parents, Johnny was also preceded in death by his son, Scott E. Hayes; three brothers, Willard “Wid” Hayes, Wilbert Hayes and Robert “Jack” Hayes; six sisters, Hazel Wheeler, Helen Shelton, Hartis Collins, Tressie Smrek, Dorothy (Kell) Rauscher and Vera (Dixon) Leek; and a special sister-in-law, Bettye Hayes.
From a young age, Johnny learned the value of hard work. After school, he would run home and head straight to work alongside his father at the family sawmill. Cutting rough-cut lumber was hard work, but Johnny loved every minute of it. Working beside his father and other relatives brought him great happiness and instilled in him the strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.
After several years of working with his father, Johnny moved to Maries County due to a new large supply of timber in the area. This led to the eventual opening of his first sawmill there. In time, he moved his family to Vienna, and took on the challenge of building the sawmill business. Through determination and countless hours of hard work, Johnny’s sawmill became one the largest rough-cut lumber operations in the area.
As the business grew, Johnny continued to pursue new opportunities. He built numerous homes and commercial buildings throughout Maries County, leaving a lasting mark on the community. One entire street of residential homes he built in Vienna was named Hayes Street, a lasting reminder of his contribution to the community.
Johnny’s entrepreneurial spirit extended well beyond the sawmill and construction. Over the years, he raised cattle, grew and harvested hay, ran a dump truck operation, and owned, rented and sold countless properties throughout the county. He was also a proud part-owner of a Tennessee Walking Horse that received national recognition and awards.
Although Johnny was a hardworking businessman, some of his happiest moments came from the simple pleasures of life. In his younger years, he loved fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors. Deer season was especially meaningful to him. Family members would gather at his property for deer camp, where days were spent hunting and evenings were filled with stories, laughter and time around the campfire.
As the years passed, family became even more central to Johnny’s life. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays were treasured occasions when family gathered at his home to share good food, laughter and one another’s company. Johnny was, without question, the “Center Figure” of his family.
Johnny will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: four children, Connie Giacolone and husband, Vince of St. James, Becky Merx and husband, Jim of Cadet, Missouri, Johnny Dean Hayes and wife, Nancy of Pacific, Missouri, and Dianne Dugan and husband, Clay of Charleston, Missouri; 13 grandchildren, Tina Dow, Vince Giacolone, Jr., Tony Giacolone, Angela Keehn, Michelle Mitchell, Chris Giacolone, Jimmy Robinson, Cynthia Luhning, Theresa Gage, Matt Hayes, Kim Hayes, John Dugan and David Dugan; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one on the way.
A funeral service for Johnny E. Hayes will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the Ellis Prairie Baptist Church in Ellis Prairie, Missouri. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Ellis Prairie Cemetery. A visitation will also be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at the Null and Son Funeral Home, 1010 Kingshighway, Rolla, Missouri.
Memorial contributions in memory of Johnny E. Hayes are suggested to the Ellis Prairie Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla.
