Ronald Lee Hayes

Ronald Lee Hayes, 68, of Rensselaer, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 11, 2016. He was born in Rensselaer on August 29, 1947, son of the late Ernest Hayes and Mary Belle (Widner) Hayes. A lifelong resident of Rensselaer, Ron attended the Rensselaer Public Schools until the eleventh grade when he then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He earned many accommodations, became a Sargent and earned his GED while in the Army.

When he returned home he met the love of his life, Edna May (Williams) Hayes. They were married on January 30, 1970 and were married for forty years. Ron worked as a farmer, welder, and heavy equipment operator. He had been employed at Fair Oaks Dairy Farm for the past 16 years, where as he liked to say “He worked with the other end of the cow!” He enjoyed hunting and singing.

Ron is survived by his son, Edward Thomas Hayes of Rensselaer; and four siblings: Maxine (Everett) Vaughn of Rensselaer, Mary (William) Carter of Medaryville, Carol (Charles) Graves of Rensselaer, and Jim (Betty) Hayes of DeMotte. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Edna May Hayes; two sons, Ernest Edward Hayes and Ronald Edward Hayes; four brothers: Gerald (Betty) Hayes, Vernie (Sue) Hayes, Larry “Butch” (Ester) Hayes, and Marvin (Betty) Hayes; and two sisters, Corina (Ambrose) Mullins and Linda (Robert) Hilton.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held at Dunkard Cemetery in Barkley Township on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Chris Kosary officiating. His family would be honored by anyone who wishes to stop by to pay their respects. Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer is handling the arrangements. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.