Don Elton Hayes

Don passed away on January 28, 2024, in Richland, Michigan. He was a native of Morganville, Georgia and resident of Richland. Don dedicated 30 years of his life to working at the Kellogg Company in their warehouse division. He also served as Grain Millers Local #3 Union representative and Steward in the Warehouse for many years. Prior to his career at Kellogg, Don served in the United States Air Force, alongside his twin brother Jon. They enlisted together in 1965 rather than be drafted. Don volunteered to go to Vietnam so that Jon would not have to face the danger alone. Don's dedication to his country earned him the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Don served his fellow veterans by volunteering on the Thursday Honor Guard Squad at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Outside of work and his military service, Don had a passion for coaching various sports and playing tennis and golf. He coached floor hockey, soccer, tennis, pickleball, and numerous men's softball teams while his children were growing up. In fact, one of his proudest accomplishments came in 1985 when his team "Besco" won both the Men’s Class C State Championship in Monroe, MI and the 5 State Regional Men’s Class C Division Softball Championship. Don was a huge University of Michigan Wolverines fan his entire life.  He was so excited to be able to see his beloved Wolverines win the football National Championship for the 2023/24 season. Later in life, Don discovered a new love for pickleball. He played men's doubles and mixed doubles competitions for many years and even participated in the National Senior Pickleball games held in Birmingham, AL in 2017. Don was also an avid walker who took daily walks exceeding 5 miles. He used his Fitbit or Apple watch to keep track of his steps, often reaching 10,000 or more each day. Even while battling cancer, Don's determination and love for walking never wavered. Survivors included his wife Lynn; daughter Kristi (Kim) Bailey; son Josh (Patti) Hayes; grandchildren Alex Pitt and Rian Hayes; twin brother Jon (Sandy) Hayes; brothers JT (Diana) Hayes and Jerry Hayes; stepchildren Tammy (Joe) Maletta, Donna Yezic, Karen Ford, Albert (Keisha) Vickery Jr., as well as numerous nieces and nephews, step grandchildren & great grandchildren; and former wives Nancy Hayes and DoNita Hayes. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his son Matthew; brothers Charles (Sonny), Carl, Tom, Eddy; sisters Frances, Mary Ruth, JoAnn, Willie Sue, Faye, Sheila and Dorothy.  Don will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His dedication to his work, love for coaching, and unwavering resilience serve as a testament to the kindhearted person he was. For Don’s full obituary follow the link below.

Information from Henry Funeral Home, Battle Creek, Michigan online on February 4, 2023

https://www.henryfuneralhome.org/obituaries/don-hayes