Lieutenant Colonel Marcus David Hays was born in Scottsboro, Alabama on October 2, 1924 to Marcus David Hays, Sr. and Rhoda Saunders Hays. He passed away at his home at Blue Skies of Texas in San Antonio on July 14, 2022 at the age of 97.

He attended the University of Alabama after serving in World War II in the European Theater. Marcus received the French Legion of Honor for his service in the Battle for Northern France. After graduating from the University of Alabama, where he played football, he enlisted in the Army and served his country proudly for twenty-eight years, including a tour in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Marcus married the love of his life, Jacqueline Marie Casanova in Paris, France after the war. After Marcus retired, he and Jacqueline returned to France and Portugal yearly to visit family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Marie (Hays) Hamsik, Patrick Hays, and Perrine Hays; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Hays Wagner.

Marcus was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jacqueline Hays; and his sisters, Armine Hambrick and Cecil Hays.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents at Blue Skies of Texas for their kindness and friendship over the years.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 1306 Angelo St., Castroville, Texas. Interment with Military Honors will follow at 1:15 p.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com