Charles "Lester" Hayes' Obituary
Decatur-Charles 'Lester' Hayes, 91, of Decatur, passed away at 10:09 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2012 in his home with his family by his side.
Services to celebrate Lester's life will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2012 at the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors and 'Flight Home' Ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the W.W. II Memorial Fund.
Lester was born March 27, 1920 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Arlie and Iona (Phelps) Hayes. He proudly served his country in U.S. Navy from 1943-1945 as Electricians Mate on the USS Vammen during W.W. II. He was previously employed as an electrician and was a fifty-seven year member of IBEW Local #146. He was a member of Rock Springs Church of God, FCC Amateur Radio call letters N9ES, and Cenois Amateur Radio Club call letters WB9QQQ and WN9QQQ. He enjoyed amateur radio, music, camping, and being with family.
He married Celia Mitchell June 24, 1946 in Henderson, Kentucky. She preceded him in death July 10, 2006.
He leaves behind his sons Kenneth Hayes and wife Donna of Macon and Randy Hayes and wife Susan of Decatur, daughters Janet Barthelemy and husband Ron of Decatur and Brenda McArty and husband Steve of Decatur, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters.
He was reunited in Heaven with parents, wife, daughter, two brothers, and a sister.
The family would like to give a special thanks to DMH Hospice especially Heather, Megan, and Jim for all their care and support for our whole family at this time.
The family of Lester Hayes is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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