Chapels, LLC and Cremation Services

217 W. Broadway
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-630-3131

208 S. Jefferson
Kearney, MO 64060
816-628-4411

214 N. Pennsylvania
Lawson, MO 64062
816-296-0097

Kristopher Hayes

Kristopher HayesKristopher Hayes, 49 years, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away on January 24, 2022. Kris was born February 26, 1972, to Bob and Zonya Hayes.

Kris and Sundi met in October of 1992 in the parking lot of Denim and Diamonds through a mutual friend with whom Sundi attended high school, and Kris attended college. Kris and Sundi’s first date was at Metro North Mall’s movie theatre where they saw the original Scream and then Kris treated her to a high-quality dinner at Pizza Hut. Their life together moved quickly after that. They were engaged Christmas Eve of 1993 and married June 25, 1994. The family grew from 2 to 3 in March of ‘98 and 3 to 5 in November of ‘01. Kris had unrelenting love for his three sons, Dakota, Kolby and Kian, and much to Sundi’s chagrin, Kris refused to allow her to have any daughters.

At the age of thirteen Kris began his passion for construction during his first job framing houses with his father. After high school graduation he landed in trim carpentry. Through his career in construction, Kris was able to not only create houses for many people, but to turn four houses into homes for his family. Kris joined Signature Solid Surface, a sister company to Miller’s Custom Cabinets, in 2011 as a General Manager and oversaw day-to-day operations ever since. In his 11 years there, he continued to grow and apply his business mindset and raised the company as if it were his own child.

Apart from his career, he enjoyed hobbies such as coaching, fishing, fly tying, cooking, and running. As soon as his children could kick a ball, Kris took to the sideline as a coach for them and continued to do so into their teenage years. Coach Kris was able to mentor the teammates of his sons and aided them in their journey to become young men. His love of fly fishing began during his early teens and continued for decades.  This passion even progressed into designing and tying his own flies. He spent many weekends out of the year competing in the Mid-Lake Bass Club fishing tournaments with his brother, Dana, in which they were awarded Anglers of the Year in 2016 and 2020. They won 1st place in the Classic in 2014 and 2016, 3rd in 2020, and most recently, 2nd in 2021.

Kris knew his way around the grill and smoker. He was always excited to fire them up, drink a couple of beers and spend time with family. He handed the reins of the grill to his sons eventually, which allowed him to dedicate more time to drinking beer. In the last couple of years, Kris became passionate about running, and dedicated many miles to his treadmill after work. His appreciation for the runner’s high drove him to complete a 10k just a year ago.

You honestly can’t talk about Kris without mentioning whiskey, beer and country music…even that strange country rap he liked to listen to. He was steadfast in his beliefs, and sometimes his interpretation of “Don’t Tread on Me” might have meant “Don’t Touch my Beard”. He was also loving, compassionate, hardworking, stubborn, confident, strong-willed, determined, caring, forthright and convicted in his faith.

The Annunciation community has always been a large part of Kris’s life. From his confirmation in high school, receiving the sacrament of marriage, to his children’s baptism and confirmation. Kris has come full circle today.

Kris is survived by his wife, Sundi; children, Dakota, Kolby and Kian; parents, Bob and Zonya; brother, Dana (Saralyn); mother-in-law, Sandi Walrod; father-in-law, James S. Matthews; brothers-in-law, Wes Edwin (Diana), James A. Matthews (Rie), and Jacob Matthews; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, January 28, 2022 with Rosary at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022, both at the Church of Annunciation, 701 N. Jefferson, Kearney, MO, with burial at Fairview Cemetery, Kearney, MO.

In lieu of flowers and plants, please make a memorial donation to the Church of the Annunciation for the Hayes boys’ scholarship fund at P.O. Box 599, Kearney, MO 64060.

Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.

Our Sincere Condolences

The Benedictine College community extends heartfelt condolences to Sundi, Kian, Dakota, Kolby and all who loved Kristopher. May God embrace you in His Comforting Arms all the days ahead. You are in our prayers.
Kathy Garrison

Hi there. I’m a friend of Gigi. I didn’t know Kris but I prayed for him. I just read this eulogy and I smiled and I cried. Your family was blessed to have him. My prayers will continue for your family.
In Christ
Alicia Chirkoff
Canada

May God cover you all with His grace and peace during this very difficult time.  My prayers are with you and the whole family.
Mary Savanah

I do not personally know this family but I do know Gigi and we have been praying for Kris and the entire family.  I lost my mother as well with this and my hearts goes out to you all. May God give you peace and strength.
Karen Cole

We were so sad to hear of Kristopher’s passing. Sundi, Dakota, Kian, and Kolby you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you share of Kris during this difficult time.
Ann Lachowitzer

When my parents died in a car wreck these words were on a plaque I received and gets me through to this day
Those We Love Don’t Go Away, They Walk Beside Us Every Day, Unseen, Unheard, But Always Near, Still Loved, Still Missed And Very Dear.
I’m a friend to Sandi Walrod and have been praying and am praying for Kris and your family for weeks. God Bless you all.
Mary Braton

Sundi & Hayes Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was lucky to have met Kris a few times and spend some time getting to know his big personality. I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner together with the absolute best filets I’ve ever eaten in my life!  I’m also glad I got see him run his 10k on a ridiculously cold day. He is a blessing to your family and all who knew him.
Mike Stewart

I lost my father, Everette, when I was 35 and he was 57. Those were very sad days for me. I can understand how my three grandsons are feeling right now.
My daughter, Sundi is a very strong person and the best mom ever. So for this, I know they will receive the strength it takes for them to reach their goals in Life.
Prayers are very powerful and I will continue to pray. NANA and Mom is always available.
Blessings,
Sandi Walrod
Sundi’s Mother
Dakota, Kolby, Kian’s NANA

Sundi, Dakota, Kolby and Kian, we are devastated to hear about the loss of Kris. He was such a great man and clearly loved his family more than anything. We are sending you our love and prayers.
The Kaiser family

I am a friend of Gigi’s and Honore to have prayed diligently for Kris throughout this tragedy. After reading these wonderful words, I am inspired to continue to pray for your family.  I wish I could have known Kris this side of eternity,  and I look forward to meeting him in Heaven. May God bless you all with peace and comfort.
Von Huber

Our deepest condolences for all of the family.  May God give you comfort in the days ahead.
Bonnie, Erin, Justin and Joel

I loved the tribute, what a blessing and example for your family and all who knew Kris. I will continue to pray for your family and am confident that God will provide grace sufficient for the trials he allows. We grieve deeply, but not as those without hope (1 Thes 4:13).  May the peace of Christ, the love of friends & family, and the wonderful, wonderful memories sustain you through this dark hour.
Dave Metzler

Dak –
Know your friends/classmates are with you and here for you during this time. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
Victoria

To Bob, Zonya and family
There are no words, please accept our prayers of sympathy in your loss. How difficult it will be to go forward, we pray for strength and guidance for you and your family. We hold memories of your family as our neighbors down the street in the ‘barn’ house, and all the fun our boys had in those years. Sending our prayers and love to your family.
Kathy Teegarden and son Matt McAtee.

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