Ernie Hays

As a child I remember what a good friend he was to my mother,Patricia Ann Emerson Hays,He is a Legacy,and every time my little girl plays her organ we will always think of him.

The best in the business, period! Ernie Hays was as much about the Cardinals as Busch Stadium / Brock/ Gibson / Ozzie / Buck. He will never be replaced, only remembered and missed. RIP Ernie.

Jeff Hall, Burleson, TX

Ernie will be sorely missed. I definitely will miss his emails with jokes and comments! He was a master musician and would light up the Center for Spiritual Living with his music.
My love and blessings to Loretta, his beautiful wife.
Love,
Rev. Marigene DeRusha

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Hays.

In remembrance of his service to his country:

He said these words -

SAILOR'S CREED
I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

“May the wind always be on your back and the sun upon your face and may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.”

I salute you!

George Gemberling, (USN-USAF RET)

I remember Ernie as a Class mate at Houston Mo. High School. A fun loving and very talented musician. I also moved to St. Louis after High School and lost track of Ernie until he started playing the organ for the Cardinals. His music lit up the crowds. While in St Louis a group of Alumni from Houston Mo. living in the St. Louis area got together for a reunion and notified Ernie of the event. Ernie gladly came and was thrilled to see old class mates and entertained us all evening as only Ernie could do.

Beloved friend,
You are sorely missed already. You have taken
a huge chunk of our hearts with you. There is
no one like you,nor ever will be. What joy you brought to so many people in various ways. Without a doubt you are the best sports organist in the business. The way you played brought great excitement to the Cardinal Nation, and, good grief, what a cheerleader for each player, by playing their song.
Play on....play on.. Ernie!! Heaven's gain for sure. Thanks for the memories, and thanks for being the most remarkable accompanist a singer could ever have. We love you. See you later genius!
Our prayers and love to Loreta and family.
Bob & Sally McGowan

Dearest Ernie, I'll never forget your delightfully cantankerous demeanor, honesty, dirty jokes, and red car. I hold our lunches, meetings, and conversations close. Your frequent joke emails, the time you took me to see the inner workings of the stadium, had my name put on the board when I graduated, the way we truly listened to one another. You were like a grandpa to me and I hope I made you proud. I wish you peace - you deserve it. I hope you're wearing suspenders and ticking ivory somewhere. I pray your family can also find their own way in mourning the loss of such a special man. Love you Ernie!

During my youth, I used to return from a Blues or a Cardinals games and try to play the music Mr. Hays played. It was one of the the most anticipated things to enjoy in going to a game as a fan. Just the build-up of when he played leading to the Blues stepping onto the ice was enough to really get one's heart pumping. And if he wanted to whip the fans into a frenzy or when the teams scored, the hair would stand up on my neck just to hear those famous tunes. If that hair were to have been quills, people would have thought I was a porcupine. He electrified the buildings and played a role in the great moments hundreds of thousands of fans shared. He has a special place in the hearts of many and thanks to his talents, he will always be remembered fondly. Here is hoping that in the family's time of pain, the good times and the lasting contributions he made to people's lives will allow a smile to come across their faces with warmth to fill their hearts.

Dear Pam, Mike and family~ our deepest condolences go out to your entire family. Ernie will be missed by many!

Ernie,
I want to thank you for the two years of private lessons you gave me and for the times in between the periods at the old barn, you let me play a song or two. It was a pleasure working with you at Taylor's Music House and Ludwig/ Aolian in the early 1980s. You are my musical hero. May God Keep you close, and may you keep Jack Buck and Harry Cary entertained along with all the sport stars. God bless the Hays family!