Laverne Hayes

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

James Laverne Hayes, 85, of Purdy, MO, passed from this earthly home to his eternal home in Heaven on Sunday, March 29, 2026, while at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Laverne, as he was called by those who knew him, was born on June 18, 1940, in Butterfield, MO, to Doyle “Slim” and Ruby Ellis Hayes. Laverne was a graduate of Cassville High School and attended trade school in Joplin, MO. He was the owner of Hayes Heating and Air, retiring at sixty-two. He worked for Hardy Sheet Metal in Joplin, Monett Sheet Metal, D and S Engineering in Aurora and Tifa Micrasol of Newark, NJ. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, camping and spending time with his family. Laverne was a faithful member of the Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church.

On December 26, 1959, he married Henrietta Henderson. They have been blessed with over sixty-six years of wonderful memories made together. To this union, four children were born.

Survivors include his wife, Henrietta, of the home; two sons, Kelly Hayes and wife Judy and Mike Hayes and wife Kristina; two daughters, Melinda Chapman, and husband Doug and Laura Rose and husband Brian; eleven grandchildren, Brian Lyons and wife Margaret, Andy Hayes, Anna McPherson and husband Jon, Josh Rose and wife Amber, Jeremy Rose, Chase Chapman and wife Adrianna, Chad Chapman and wife Michelle, Chance Chapman and wife Rachelle, Chane Chapman and wife Katie, Brittany Hayes and Alli Jo Hayes; and sixteen and a half great-grandchildren; one brother, Lewis Hayes and wife Linda of Springfield, MO; one sister, Leveta Rhinehart of St. Genevieve, MO; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Laverne was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Hayes, brother-in-law, Charles Rhinehart; great-grandsons, Jordan Rose, Noah Chapman and Emmett Chapman.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, 11057 Farm Road 2060, Purdy, MO 65734. Pastor Jesse Cole and Pastor Lee Neill will be officiating. Interment will be held at Bethel Cemetery. Memorial contributions can made be to Macedonia Ladies Auxiliary or American Cancer Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, 301 Euclid Ave, Monett, MO.