William Francis Hayes, age 89 of Knox City, MO passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026 in Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO. He was born August 6 1937 in Knox County, MO the son of Francis Marion and Mabel Marguerite McKenzie Hayes.

He was united in marriage to Carol Annette McKenzie on February 1, 1958 in Knox City, MO.

Surviving are his wife Carol Hayes of Knox City, MO, one daughter Ann Elizabeth (Beth) and Larry Eversole of Breckenridge, MO, a daughter-in-law Georgeanne Hayes of Kirksville, MO, a brother-in-law Kenny McKenzie of Knox City, MO, one grandson Michael Eversole, four great grandchildren, Tagen, Dawson, Alli and Wade, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one son Bill Hayes, his mother and father-in-law Ruby and Buck McKenzie, one sister Helen Oldfather, three brothers, Donald Lee Hayes soon after birth, and Gene and Richard Hayes.

Bill attended Musser School (a one room school) thru the 8thgrade then graduated from Edina High School in 1955. He then finished auctioneer school in Mason City, IA.

During his life he was a garage assistant, a milk man, owned and operated a grocery store in Knox City, MO, worked at Electric Wheel, served as Knox City Mayor, board member of Knox County Nursing Home, Knox City Senior Housing board, and Bee Ridge Cemetery, owned and operated Hayes Auction and later McAfee and Hayes Auction for over 40 years. Bill enjoyed music and for many years was the leader of the band Country Travelers. Bill was a member of the Edina United Methodist Church. He enjoyed playing music, singing and being an auctioneer. He loved fishing and spent many hours on the bank of rivers and ponds with his grandson Michael.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026 in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Officiating the services will be Beverly Peters assisted by Reverend Youngnam Park. Music will be provided by Lacey Mihalevich and Chuck Hayes.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.

Masonic services will be conducted Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home conducted by Colony Lodge # 168 A.F. & A.M.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice Compassus in Macon, MO, Knox City Cemetery or Edina United Methodist Church. Please make checks out to the memorial of choice. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.