Gerald Vance Hays, 74, of Petersburg, passed away at his home on Thursday, October 19, 2023. He was born in Washington, Indiana on August 09, 1949 to Gerald Norman Hays and Barbara Jane Hays. He married Shari Kinman on October 31, 1973. They have a son, Matthew (Melissa) Hays and a daughter, Darcee Hays (Michael) Woodland, granddaughters Mackenzie Woodland, Zoey Hays and Brynn Hays and grandson Samuel Hays.
He is survived by sisters Jane (Walter) Scott, Julie (Stan) Martin, and Shari (Jack) Rudibaugh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shari Hays.
Vance was a member of, and organist for, the Petersburg Main Street Presbyterian Church and also the organist for First United Methodist Church in Petersburg. He was a graduate of Carmi Township High School, Oakland City University and Indiana State University. He was a teacher at Winslow Elementary and then Pike Central High School for 45 years. He also was the middle school and high school choir director, directed the plays, and directed the musicals at Pike Central.
There will be a private service for family and church members of the Main Street Presbyterian Church only at the Main Street Presbyterian Church in Petersburg, IN. There will also be a celebration of life at The Vance Hays Auditorium at Pike Central High School. Date and time of the celebration of life will be announced at a later date and all will be welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Vance and Shari Hays Performing Arts Fund through the Pike County Community Foundation. Donations may be sent to the Pike County Community Foundation at PO Box 587, Petersburg, IN 47567. Please put “Hays” on the memo line and contributions will grow the Vance and Shari Hays Fund for the Arts, a perfect memorial. Pre-addressed envelopes may also be picked up at Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg.
