In September 1943, Hays married Florence Macon Locke. In December 1943, three months after they were married, Conard was sent overseas to serve as a chaplain in the United States Army during World War II. During his time overseas, Hays wrote to his wife almost daily. He expressed his love and admiration for her and told her about his experiences.
He sent birthday cards, Christmas cards and postcards from his travels, as well as copies of his and other chaplains’ services and sermons. Even from overseas, he found ways to show his love for her. He once wrote a letter to Florence’s niece, Joan, asking her to purchase a Valentine’s Day gift for his beloved Florence with the $5.00 he enclosed. He often sent her poems written by other soldiers that made him think of her. In 1945, Conard wrote to Florence expressing his hope that if he was assigned to an occupation unit, she could join him.