MSG Ryan D. Hayes, a native of Missouri, was a loving son, brother, and loyal friend who loved serving his country. Ryan was born in Columbia, Missouri on February 23,1977 and passed away in Elizabethtown, Kentucky on December 12, 2019.

Ryan enlisted into the United States Army in 2006 as a Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/Integrator (35T). He arrived at the Human Resources Command, Enlisted Personnel Mangement Directorate, Ooperations Support Division, Military Intelligence Branch on October 10, 2019.

Ryan's distinguished career included assignments to 224th Aerial Intelligence Battalion, 116th MI BDE, GA.; 719th MI BN, 501st MI BDE, Camp Humphreys, Korea; Military Advisor to the United States Army Electronic Research, MD; 35T10 Instructor, 305th MI BN, AZ. Ryan deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ryan received numerous awards and decorations which included: Meritorious Service Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritotious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award) Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), NATO Medal; Knowlton Award recipient, Basic Army Instructor Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge-Operator, Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Sharpshooter.

As a lifelong learner, Ryan earned an Associate Degree from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Science from the University of Maryland. He attended and graduated from numerous military schools including the Master Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Basic Leader Course, Basic Instructor Training and Combat Life Savers Course.

Ryan was a passionate Soldier known for his fierce loyality and reliability without hesitation. He loved his family, adored his Chihuahua, Marley, and enjoyed every minute spent fishing, loving, and laughing. He was an avid Louisiana State University football fan and known for his sense of humor, witty personality, and spot-on Forrest Gump impersonations.

Ryan is survived by his wife Teri Hayes; step-daughter, Kari McCloskey & husband, Michael; mother: Betty Hayes; father: Garry Hayes and sister: Carla Schlautman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 from 6-8 P.M. at the Landess Funeral Home Chapel in Malden.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019 the Landess Funeral Chapel in Malden at 11:00 A.M. with Chaplain Ralph L. Bieganek officiating.

Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Malden, Missouri.