Delven Carl “Hap” Hays, 75, of New London, died Monday, November 14, 2022 at his home. He was born November 28, 1946 in Monmouth, Illinois to Delven William and Eula Grace McPherren Hays. On June 2, 1968 he married Connie Boyd in Biggsville, Illinois; they later divorced. On April 7, 1989 in New London, he married Bettyjean Lee.
Delven was a 1965 graduate of Biggsville High School, then served two tours in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war. He patrolled the Saigon River on the USS O’Bannon.
He worked at Motorola, IAAP, and retired from Federal Mogul/Champion in Burlington.
He was a member of New London Christian Church; Masonic Lodge; lifetime member of New London VFW Post 7641; and enjoyed fishing, golfing, mowing the yard, tending his garden and flowers, and loved to cook.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Angela Burgin of Champaign, Illinois, Christina (Alex) Farthing of Davenport, Florida, and April Hays of Monmouth, Illinois; stepchildren, Gregory (Vicki) Lee of Burlington, Robin Marshall of Grand Prairie, Texas and Rhonda (Alan) Lutenegger of Sunderland, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; eleven step-grandchildren; thirteen step-great-grandchildren; sister Judith Norman and brother David (Elizabeth) Hays both of Oquawka, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother William Hays; and three step-great-grandchildren.
According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and will be inurned at Keokuk National Cemetery at a later date. There will be no formal services at Elliott Chapel. Memorials have been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice; New London Fire and Rescue; and New London Christian Church. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.