Kenneth Dale Hayes

Kenneth Dale Hayes was born to Joe and Evelyn Oliver Hayes on August 22, 1946 in Bowie, TX and passed away March 28, 2016 at the age of 69 in Vilas CO. Kenneth was the 5th of 6 children born to Joe and Evelyn. Kenny attended school in Hale Center, Texas until he joined the navy in June of 1964. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia aboard the USS Independence. While in the Navy he became a certified welder. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy in December of 1967, he worked in a shipyard as a boiler maker in California. While Kenny was away at the Navy his parents moved to Vilas, CO to farm for R.L. Ballard. Kenny eventually moved to Vilas and worked for Thompson Motor in Walsh, CO as a welder for several years. Around 1976 Kenny began seismographic work as a vibrator operator mechanic with Pac-West. His job required him to travel extensively and he was able to see many different parts of the country including Anchorage, Alaska. From 1982-1985 Kenny lived and worked in Brisbane, Australia. From there Kenny moved back to the states to Midland Texas and bought a semi-truck and trailer to haul rock and other materials for road construction crews. He continued this work until he retired to his home in Vilas, CO. Kenny loved fast cars! Especially his beloved 1963, silver Stingray Corvette. Kenny departed this life on March 28, 2016 after several months of battling throat and lung cancer. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Special thanks go to his niece Rhonda Buchholz and family for caring and visiting Kenny in the final months of his life. Kenny is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Evelyn Hayes, Brother in law Bill Sarbeck, and Brother Richard Hayes. Kenny is survived by his Sister Joann Sarbeck of Westminster CA, Brother J.G. Hayes of Henderson NV, Sister Barbara Stuart of Lamar, and Sister Pat Hebberd of Vilas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the Walsh and Springfield Ambulance Services by way of the funeral home.