The fight was lost but the battle was won as Kenneth Lee Hays celebrates a new birthday in Christ. Surrounded by family and friends, Ken (Kenney) took his last breath at 3:15 p.m. on November 9th at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. His wait for a liver was courageous and faithful. Hope never waned as he battled the disease that took his life. Ken was 57 years old.

A celebration of Ken’s life will begin from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 13th at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr, and continues at the chapel with a memorial celebration service on Wednesday, November 14th at 11:00 a.m. Brother Kenny Locke, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife, Linda (Garland) Hays; daughters, Hilary Nichole Hays of Los Angeles, Calif., and Anna Lee Hays of Paducah; his father, Edward Stan Hays; and a sister, Kathy Hays, both of Paducah; and his companion and hunting pal, Emma.

He was preceded in death by his precious mother, Jean Morehouse Hays, also of Paducah.

Ken was employed as a chemical operator at Ashland Specialty Products (formerly ISP) in Calvert City, Ky. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, local lodge 1720.

His passion was for waterfowl and hunting, and was honored to be a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Cane Creek Hunting Club in Livingston County. His desire to linger outdoors and enjoy nature were achieved in the duck blinds all over the tri-state area, but most recently Tiline, Ky. He achieved the abilities of master carpenter, and never turned away the opportunity to help someone who was in need of those talents.

Ken took to heart the term “American” made. He was fierce about politics, and a loyal patriot. He was frugal with a dollar, yet tender hearted to those with a need that provided him an opportunity to serve. All will remember the squint in his clear blue eyes as his smile would captivate a funny moment or gesture.

His love for his hobbies and hunting paled in comparison for his love and dedication to his family. From an early age, Ken made sure “his girls” knew the warning signs of disaster and how to be protected. From tornado drills, to a scratch and sniff book about the signs of natural gas, to educate and to protect his family was paramount in his life.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to the American Liver Foundation.

You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.