Donald June Hayes was born the son of R.V. Hayes and Lillian Green Hayes on June 27, 1925, in Thayer, Missouri, and departed this life on December 11, 2017, at his home in Thayer, Missouri, at the age of 92 years.
He was united in marriage on December 17, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to Maudie E. Highfill, who preceded him in death on March 24, 1954. He was united in marriage on December 25, 1959, at Granite City, Illinois, to Melba Ruth Ferguson.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Hayes of the home in Thayer, Missouri; one daughter, Doris “Faye” (Hayes) Roppo and husband, Michael of Aurora, Colorado; five grandchildren, Everett Roppo, Carrie Ranisate, Rob Roppo, Ben Roppo, and Joshua Roppo; three great grandchildren, Cassandra, Arianna, and Chandler Ranisate; one sister, Davene Green of West Plains, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maudie Hayes; his parents, R.V. and Lillian Hayes; and one brother, Rillis Hayes.
Donald was a veteran of the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country during World War II.
Donald was known as a man of many talents. To name a few, he was a musician, making many unique instruments; a rock mason, building many fire places and other rock structures in the area; and most of all, he was gifted in the electronic field, using his wisdom and knowledge to create many astounding items.
Donald was a Bible Scholar, attending Southwestern Bible College in Texas. He was a Christian and a member of the Midway Pentecostal Church, where he faithfully attended as long as health permitted.
He will truly be missed by his family, his church family, and friends.
Funeral services for Donald J. Hayes will be held December 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Anthony Woods, Brother Charles Barnett and Brother Richard Green officiating.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
Burial will be in Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.