LeRoy Ronald Hayes, 93, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, at North Kansas City Hospital.

LeRoy was born on December 27, 1932, in Lincoln, NE, to John and Lena (Hansen) Hayes. He was the youngest of five children and the last surviving sibling of his family. Inspired by his older brothers who served in the Navy and Marine Corps during World War II, LeRoy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 17 years old. He proudly served at various Marine Air Stations for about a year during the Korean War.

While serving his country, LeRoy married the love of his life, Helen Frances Hampton, on November 4, 1954, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. Together, they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage and built a life centered on family, adventure, and faith.

After his honorable discharge from the Marines, LeRoy began his career with Trans World Airlines (TWA). As their family grew to include four children Loren, Terry, Roger, and Cheryl. LeRoy’s career took them from California to Okinawa, Japan, then to Phoenix, Arizona, and finally to Kansas City in 1983.

LeRoy was an exceptional mechanic. He possessed a rare technical understanding of jet and reciprocating engines and held a Aircraft and Powerplant (A&P) license from the FAA. His passion for aviation extended beyond his job; he earned his private pilot's license and enjoyed taking his family up into adventures in the skies. Through his hard work and leadership, he rose to become a General Foreman and Chief jet engine inspector for TWA, retiring in 1992.

An athlete at heart, LeRoy loved sports throughout his life. In high school, he ran track, played basketball and football, and excelled in softball, even pitching a memorable no-hitter. He passed this love of sports down to his children, spending hours playing different sports with them. He later took his competitive spirit into bowling, competing in many leagues and tournaments.

LeRoy was a man who simply loved to stay busy. He was always happiest when immersed in a good project, whether he was remodeling a house or fixing an engine. His kind heart took him on a mission trip with Helen to Cody, Wyoming, where they helped construct a local mission church.

Above all his achievements, LeRoy was a dedicated husband and father. He created unforgettable memories for his family, taking them on vacations to the Grand Canyon, across the United States, and even on an unforgettable trip around the world.

LeRoy was reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Helen, and his son, Loren.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of love through his surviving children: Terry Hayes (Linda), Roger Hayes, and Cheryl Danks (Tom). He will be deeply missed by his six grandchildren, Charles, James, Teresa, Katie Lynn, and Julie Ann and his seven great-grandchildren, all of whom carry his love in their hearts and forever miss him.

Memorial Services will be held on a very meaningful day, Helen’s birthday, Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 Route 291 Highway, Liberty, MO 64068. All who knew and loved LeRoy are warmly invited to join the family in celebrating a life exceptionally well-lived.

LeRoy Ronald Hayes, 93, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, at North Kansas City Hospital.