Ollis "Hayes" Harned
March 30, 2014
Ollis “Hayes” Harned, 81, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Services will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Hayes was born on August 14, 1932 in Waterloo, IA to Rhoda (Singer) and Ollis Hayes Harned. After high school graduation, Hayes joined the US Air Force and served from 1951 to 1960. He completed his formal education at State College of Iowa now UNI and taught PE for 30 years in Des Moines and West Des Moines. After retirement he returned as a substitute teacher. Hayes loved teaching kids.
His other interests included being in charge of the wrestling awards stand at the state tournaments, former assistant wrestling coach at Roosevelt High School; he was awarded PE Teacher of the year in 1990 and granted a key to the city of Des Moines. Hayes loved his family, and spending time at their lake cabin in Minnesota. He attended Lutheran Church of Hope and was a member of the American Legion.
Hayes is survived by his wife, Luann; sons, Jeff (Kathy), Bill (Carmen), and Rusty (Cathy) Harned; sisters, Jane and Darlene; brother, Lynn; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the donor’s favorite charity or to the family for direction to Hayes’s favorite charities. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Julie Anderson Dalbey
03/31/2014
It is difficult to put into words what an impact Mr. Harned had on my life and on my family. He was more than a teacher or a coach. He loved the students he taught and their families, and we all loved him in return. This is such a great loss to the hundreds of families he has touched. Thank you for the memories, Mr. Harned.
Jodi Scott Airhart
03/31/2014
I just found some photos of him last night that brought a big smile to my face. Many happy memories of gym class, tinikling, and the tiniklers trip to Vegas. He was one of the greatest teachers/coaches ever, not to mention just an all-around awesome guy. He will be missed.
Bobby Anderson
03/31/2014
He will be missed. He was a great friend of our family and many others. Some of my fondest memories as a kid were in that gymnasium at Willard Elementary School. He had a meaningful impact on many people's lives.
Tasha Oppenheim Koerner
03/31/2014
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I see him all the time and he has looked great. He was the best teacher I have ever had.