Carl  J.  Hays, 80, of Waterloo, died Sept. 27, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 17, 2015, in East St. Louis.

Mr. Hays was retired from Union Electric in St. Louis.  He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 148 of St. Louis, and Holy Family Catholic Church, Cahokia.

He was admired for his penchant for learning, his love of God, his talent as a musician, and his love of music. He was an avid musician and could play almost any instrument that he picked up.

He was a loving grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are his children Carla (Ken) Hanvey of Belleville, and Matthew (Brenda Jackson) Hays of Dupo; brother Jim (Diane) Hays of Pittsburg, Pa.; sisters Dorothy (Gus) Kassaros and Earline (Rick) Oliver, both of O’Fallon; sister-in-law Clara Watts of Sun City West, Ariz.; grandchildren Eric (Angela) Hanvey and Lindsay (Brandon) White, both of Belleville, and Luke, Noah, and Jake Hays, all of Waterloo; great-grandchildren Harper and Norah Hanvey and Mason White. He was also a dear uncle, cousin and friend.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Hays (nee Chartrand); his mother, Opal Miller (nee Kemp); brother Donald D. Hays; and niece Stephanie Hays Jung.

Graveside services were Sept. 29, at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville. Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, handled the arrangements.

Special thanks to the Hospice of Southern Illinois-Orange Team South and Home Instead Senior Care.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois-Orange Team South.

Condolences may be expressed online at braunfh.com.