Harold H. Hayes' Obituary
Harold Herman Hayes, Jr., 93, of Decatur, died at 2:45 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2014, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Harold was born on February 27, 1920 in Decatur, IL to the late Harold and Augusta (Brisch) Hayes, Sr. After graduating Stephen Decatur High School, he served as a navy radio technician in the South Pacific during WWII aboard the submarine rescue vessel, the USS Macaw.
After returning from WWII, Harold was employed by Illinois Power Company for 46 years as an electrical meterman journeyman at the Central Meter Shop and was a member of IBEW Local #51. He met Alice M. Cutler while attending the Decatur Free Methodist Church and they married September 19, 1947. Harold and Alice had six children together, and attended Moundford Free Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; and seven children: Linda Lou (Alvin) Hayko of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from a first marriage; Harold (Betty) Hayes, III of Columbus, OH; Jacqueline Phillips of Nashville, TN; Alice (Tyler) Ely of Amarillo, TX; Larry (Sandy) Hayes of Decatur, IL; and Susan (fiance Ryan High) Hayes of Charleston, SC. He also is survived by eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, one nephew and two nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Melvin Charles Hayes; his brother, Melvin W. (Evelyn) Hayes; and his sister, Elsie M. (Maynard) Buckta.
Services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, January 8, 2014 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur, IL with Pastor Gerald Coates officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Tuesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choosing.
The family of Harold Herman Hayes, Jr. is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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