Virgil Lynn Hamm, 81, Hays, died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at Via Christi Nursing Home, Hays.

He was born July 23, 1936 in Fort Scott, Kansas. He married Allura (Steely) Hamm on Aug. 15, 1954.

He was employed as an assistant manager at Otasco in Wichita before moving to Hays in 1963. He became the manager/owner of the Hays Otasco store (Coast to Coast, Hamm’s True Value) for almost 50 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching the K.C. Royals. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Allura; three daughters, Brenda Epperson and husband Scott, Owasso, Oklahoma, Julia Kuntz and husband Andy, Hays, and Nikki Hamm, Enid, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Heather Schmitz and Joshua Kuntz, Hays, and Garrett Epperson, Owasso, Oklahoma; two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Elijah Schmitz, Hays.

Visitation and service information to follow.