William J. "Bill" Hays

Dr. William Joseph Hays, 81, of Washington passed away at 11:50 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria, Ill. Bill was born on July 23, 1933, in Frankfort, KY, to the late Yandel Palmer Hays and Olive (Hutcherson) Hays. He married Kathryn M. Overend on Feb. 14, 1953 in Peoria; she preceded him in death. Surviving are two children, Ana (Ed) McCracken of San Francisco, Calif., and David (Julie Stewart-Hays) Hays of Washington; two grandchildren, Hannah and Micah Stewart. Bill graduated from East Peoria High School in 1951, and went on to earn Engineering degrees from Bradley University, University of Southern California, and UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles, PhD, 1970). During Bill’s career, he participated in early Ram Jet research at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California contributing to the X-15 program in cooperation with an international team of the foremost jet propulsion scientists of the time; taught doctoral level classes at the University of Stuttgart in such topics as rocket nozzle geometrics and related performance physics; and was instrumental in developmental efforts in diesel fuel injection mechanics, research and techniques for Caterpillar including patent awards in 1996. An avid reader of spy novels, Bill also relished discussing classics such as The Great Gatsby with his granddaughter, and attending his grandson’s basketball games. Bill enjoyed walking on the track at Five-Points, staying current on world affairs, and never tired of noodling complicated math and engineering problems on his yellow note pads. Following the death of Kathryn, the love of his life, he enjoyed reminiscing about her love of nature, the music, theater and opera they shared together, the picnics they ate on Grandview Drive, and the strolls they took around Eureka Lake holding hands. Honoring Bill's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life visitation will take place from 9:30 – 11 a.m. with a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015, at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in Metamora. Inurnment will be at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

William J. "Bill" Hays

July 23, 1933 - May 3, 2015