Submitted by: Dan Rich

Lawrence Hayes

Sept. 2, 1937 - Dec. 12, 2007

South Bend Tribune 12/15/2007
OSCEOLA - Lawrence "Larry" Hayes is now with his three sons in heaven on this glorious day. For those who knew Larry and many of his "Larry-isms" he will not be forgotten. Larry was the son of James H. and Loretta A. (Micinski) Hayes of Lakeville, Ind. (both deceased).

He married his high school sweetheart, Sandra L. (Stephenson) Hayes on November 10, 1956. They were married for 51 years. Larry graduated from Lakeville High School in 1955, was sophomore class president and Senior class Vice President. He won 12 athletic letters in three sports. He served four years in the United States Air Force. He attended the University of Arizona and Indiana University to major in accounting and was employed as Controller/Chief Financial Officer for several companies in the Michiana Area. He was a member of the Elkhart County Chapter of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He was on the board of the Michiana Builder's Association. He was the former chief negotiator for the General Building Contractors Council of Elkhart. He was a 16-year board member of the Osceola Board of Appeals, with four years as Chairman. He also served on the Queen of Peace Catholic Church Building and Grounds Committee.

Larry and Sandy had 5 children, Lisa A. Hayes, Michael S. Hayes, Darrell S. Hayes, Jennifer L. Hayes, and Jeffrey J. Hayes. His three sons were born with cystic fibrosis and preceded him in death. Despite a rough start with the illness and death of his three sons; Larry was a devoted husband and father who gave much love and security to his family. He savored spending time with his four grandchildren, Andrew, Beth Ann, Christine and Michael Dits. Larry is also survived by two brothers, William (Rosalie) Hayes of Lakeville, IN and Lewis (Sue) Hayes of Arnold, MO. He was a mentor, teacher and provider for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed mentoring boys in his neighborhood due to the untimely death of his own sons. In particular, he wanted to mention Andrew Waltz as his "honorary son." Larry served as a Cub Scout den leader. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, reading and exercise. He loved tending to his garden and doing yard work during the summer months. No one could beat his BBQ chicken on the grill. He listened to public radio and watched public television. He also enjoyed animal and nature shows. He is now in heaven watching over us more than ever before. Larry, you will be missed. We love you.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, December 16, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., where a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 17th at 10 a.m., with visitation one hour prior in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mishawaka with Father Daniel Sheidt officiating. Burial will take place in Mount Calvary Cemetery, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, US 31 South, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Council, 29604 Co. Rd. 22, Elkhart, IN 46516 or to Queen of Peace Building Fund, 4508 Vistula Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46544.