Richard E. Hayes

Richard E. "Dick" Hayes, 77, of Battle Creek, died Friday, April 18, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born June 8, 1936 in Coldwater to John and Martha (Okeneske) Hayes. He graduated from St. Philip Catholic High School in 1955 and went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army. On December 29, 1962, Dick married the former JoAnn Cho and the couple enjoyed 51 years of marriage. Dick was in charge of the computer operations at People's Home Federal Life and was briefly the vice president before he retired in 1986.

Dick had many passions in life, including bowling, playing softball, and especially golfing. Dick and JoAnn wintered in Arizona, and one year, Dick's softball team won the Senior Citizen Softball Olympics.

Dick is survived by his wife, JoAnn; a daughter, Sue Porter; a grandson, David Casey Porter; a brother, James P. (Sue) Hayes, and a sister, Mary Ann (Merritt) Austin. Dick was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Dick's life will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 24 at St. Philip Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. John D. Fleckenstein. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.