Retired HCJB World Radio Missionary Dies at Age 87
A retired HCJB World Radio missionary died Monday, May 9 at the age 87, following an illness. Lois Hayes of Bradenton, Fla. had served HCJB World Radio for more than 10 years before retiring in 1989.
After graduating from the Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada, Hayes joined the missionary staff of Far Eastern Gospel Crusade in 1941, serving in hospitality and clerical work at the mission's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It was there that she met Hardy Hayes, whom she would later marry on Oct. 2, 1950. Hardy helped establish the Pacific Broadcasting Co. and served in an executive position with Far Eastern Gospel Crusade.
According to HCJB World Radio, the Hayes first heard about the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based mission ministry in Japan from co-founder Clarence Jones who was visiting the country during a fact-finding tour. The Hayes later applied with HCJB World Radio and began serving with the ministry in Quito, Ecuador, in 1958. Unfortunately, the Hayes were forced to leave the mission during their first term due to the health of their daughter. In subsequent years, Hardy continued to work in radio, and the Hayes rejoined HCJB World Radio in 1979, this time serving for 10 years with the World Radio Network, a partner ministry along the U.S.-Mexico border. Lois did clerical work while Hardy was the director of operations.
After retiring in 1989, the Hayes moved to Bradenton Missionary Village in Florida where Lois continued to be active in volunteer work, nearly up until her death.
A memorial service is set for Bradenton Missionary Village at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. She was buried at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.