Hays, Charles 1948-2025 Cheyenne, Wyo.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Charles Richard Hays, affectionately known as “Bud,” passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born on Nov. 9, 1948, to parents Charles Hays and Leha Maxine McCardie, in St. Joseph.

He attended Christian Brothers High School, in St. Joseph, where he completed his education before enlisting In the U.S. Marine Corps where he would be deployed to Vietnam. Eventually he would return to the U.S. and begin a long career In over the road trucking, retiring later in life from Yellow Freight Trucking.

He was preceeded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Hays; sister, Donna Hays; and son, Christopher Bowie-Hays.

He is survived by his wife, Starlee Bowie Hays; sisters, Mary Blacketer, Betty Hays, Billie Hays, and Twyla Hays; daughter, Stacey (Bryan) Wattenbarger; sons, Charles (Crystal) Hays, Jesse (Sa- die) Hays, and stepson Ben (Katie) Bowie.

Bud was also survived by his many grandchildren. His granddaughters, Danika, Ashlynn, Carly, Kylee, Avaleyah, Breylynn, Skye, and CJ; as well as his grandsons, Colby, Chance, and Nick.

Bud was cremated per his request, and the family will have no service. They will gather privately for a remembrance of their lost loved one at a later date. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.