Thomas A. Hays, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on June 19th, 2025.  He was 92 years old.  Born in Cleveland Ohio on December 2nd, 1932, he grew up in Ohio and Indiana. Tom met his wife Sue the love of his life in Wabash, Indiana in between his senior year in high school and freshman year of college.  Tom and Sue were married in 1954 during Tom's senior year at Wabash College.

After graduating college Tom entered the U.S. Marine Corp as a lieutenant, later serving 3 additional years in the reserves as a Captain.

Upon leaving the Marine Corp Tom pursued a career in finance and management working for Touche Ross, Diners Club, and then May Department stores where he held multiple positions across his career in various retail divisions such as Venture and Hecht's before being promoted to President and finally Deputy Chairman at May Department Stores Company.

Throughout his career, Tom's dedication and hard work, no matter what the task, earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. During his time at May Company, Tom served on multiple boards including Ameren, Mercantile Bancorporation, Kinko's, and Wabash College.  Tom was an active member of the board at Wabash College from 1985 – 2011, and an emeritus member until his death.    His work with Wabash College was one that inspired him the most as he wished to give back and support the college that had meant so much to him and Sue.

During Tom's retail career, he and Sue moved multiple times to locations around the country, but no matter where they lived, they sought to remain active in their local church community and gave generously to various church and non-profit organizations.

Tom was an avid golfer throughout his life, and after his retirement was able to devote more time to his favorite sport.

Tom and Sue loved to travel and spend vacation time with their 4 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Sue.  He is survived by his children: Jonathan Hays, Beth Black (Bruce), James Hays (Grace), and Elaine Hays; his grandchildren Laura Hays, Caitlin Black Obetz (Greg), Margaret Mauro (Andrew), Cathleen Hays, Nathan Hays, Marissa Brichacek (Evan); and his great grandchildren Olivia Black, Amelia Obetz, Carson Obetz, Emma Mauro, Susie Mauro, and Frankie Mauro.  Tom is survived by his sister Ellen West. Tom was predeceased by his brothers Richard Hays and Paul Hays.

Graveside services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Falls Cemetery, 725 Falls Ave., Wabash, Indiana 46992.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Thomas Hays' final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com