Ernest Kent Hayes, age 88, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2025. Kent was born in Bronson, Kansas, to Clare and Lois (nee Osborne) Hayes, who were longtime residents of Topeka. He spent his youth in Holyoke and Alamosa, Colorado, and Baldwin and Topeka, Kansas. He attended Baker University and was a proud graduate of Washburn University.
At Baker University he met Betty Carolan of Kansas City, Missouri. They married and had three children: Michael Hayes of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Mark Hayes (Brenda) of Burlingame, Kansas; and Lisa Greene (Jack) of Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The marriage ended after 25 years. Kent then fell in love with Virginia (Ginger) Lyman, who had a son, Scott Lundemo, now in Anchorage, Alaska. Kent and Ginger were then proud to welcome a son, Nicholas Hayes (Brandy), who lives in Lawrence.
Straight out of college Kent spent his career advocating for children. He ultimately became a nationally recognized authority in concepts of care for abandoned, abused, and neglected children. He first served as chief probation officer of the Shawnee County Juvenile Court and then became superintendent of the Boys’ Training School in Kearney, Nebraska. Along the way he partnered with Dr. Karl Menninger to develop a new concept for the care of delinquent, abandoned, and neglected children (The Villages). Thereafter, he became codirector of the Menninger Youth Program, known as the CHARLEE (Children Have All Rights: Legal, Educational, and Emotional) program, which developed and administered a nationwide network of community-based alternative child care systems in eight states and the District of Columbia.
His experiences with children in the direst of straits resulted in the publication of numerous articles and two fictionalized accounts of their situation, which he cowrote with his program codirector, Dr. Alex Lazzarino: Broken Promise (Putnam, 1978) and Find a Safe Place (McGraw-Hill, 1984). Both books became made-for-television movies. In 1989, he published a third book, Why Good Parents Have Bad Kids (Doubleday). These publications earned him appearances on numerous national television and radio shows, like The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Phil Donahue Show, Larry King, CNN, and NBC’s Today Show.
He was proud that his life’s work, his books, and the attention that they drew produced meaningful progress in the care of abandoned, abused, and neglected children throughout the United States.
Kent loved to play golf and became quite good, winning several local tournaments. Even more, Kent loved to be with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He liked to travel to the Rocky Mountains as often as possible and always had a book by his side. He was particularly fond of murder mysteries both in books and on television.
Kent is survived by his loving wife, Ginger; his five children, 10 grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren; and his brother, Kenneth Hayes.
At this time, no service is planned. Details regarding any future service to honor Kent’s memory will be shared when it becomes available.
Dear Ginger and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Kent’s passing. He was a good man and so devoted to his family. He will be missed.
Janine Monaghan
Dear Ginger and family, Eric and I are so sad to hear of Kent’s passing. He was a mentor to me and an innovative leader at The Bert Nash Center. I had so much respect for Kent. And you always had great parties! Sending hugs❤️
Ginger I am so sorry. Bob and I had been to your home went Ken gave talks and also with welcome wagon events years ago. He was a wonderful man.
Kent was my boss when I joined the staff as a young probation officer at the Shawnee County Juvenile Court. He was young too and was a wonderful leader. I will always remember him fondly. His skills in managing programs and people led to a great career dealing with abused and neglected children. I am so sorry to hear he has passed.
Dear Ginger and family,
Gene and I respected and admired Kent. Please know that we’re holding you close during this time of loss.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
Kent was a terrific and caring man who will be greatly missed.
Kent and I spent many a fine day on the golf course with our good friend Neil Patch. Kent was a fine man and will be missed by all that knew him. My condolences to Ginger, Nick and all the family.