Daniel Hays, age 63, of Marysville, died Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Riverside Methodist Hospital following a short illness. A nurse aide, he also worked in construction for many years. A 1979 graduate of Marysville High School, Dan was a standout football and track athlete. He was named 1978 Central District Back of the Year. At the 1979, district track meet, Dan set a new school record in the 220-yard dash which he still holds to this day along with the 100-yard dash. Following high school, he attended Bowling Green State University where he lettered in track. As a youth, he played American Legion baseball. He was inducted into the Marysville High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Of the Baptist faith, and formerly helped with the Marysville Free Will Baptist music ministry. An outdoorsman, Dan enjoyed cooking, hiking, camping, birdwatching and was an avid Ohio sports team fan. An accomplished musician, he deeply enjoyed playing the guitar and singing to his great nieces and nephews. He was born January 29, 1960 in Marysville to the late Harlond and Annabelle Bright Hays, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Timothy, Harold, John and Ova; his sister-in-law, Nan Hays; and his nephew, Kevin McCoy. He is survived by his wife, Kelley Yates Hays; his siblings, Harlond (Tawni) Hays, Jr. of Richwood, Darrel Hays of Marysville and Barb (Mick) McCoy of Marysville; a sister-in-law, Susan Hays; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews; a great-great nephew; and his pet canine companion, “Coco.” Dan’s commitment to friends and loved ones continued in his death as he was a tissue donor. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023 at Underwood Funeral Home where the family will receive friends at 12 noon. Pastor Larry McDonald will officiate and burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery with military honors provided by the Union County Military Funeral Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to WINGS Support and Recovery or to The Union County Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.