Don_Hayes

Don Hayes

Don Hugh Hayes, 72, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2010, at his home in Altus with his
family by his side.
     Don grew up on a family farm near Seiling, OK. He went to high school at the Harding
Academy in Arkansas and attended college at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. While
at OSU he met and married Sherry on September 1, 1961. He completed his education with
a major in English and also directed the Bible chair chorus. After moving to Altus in 1963,
Sherry immediately began teaching in the public school system and Don sold insurance for
New York Life and worked for the Elm & Hudson church of Christ. They believed that they
could have a greater impact on God’s kingdom by putting down roots, and they never left
Altus.
     For 20 years, Don sold New York Life Insurance. He was recognized as one of the top
young insurance men in the entire industry. He was a certified applicant of the elite worldwide
Million Dollar Round Table, in recognition of his outstanding abilities. After several years of
study, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). This was the highest level of
professional attainment in the life insurance business.
     In 1970, they changed church membership to the Thomas Street church of Christ, which
was recently renamed to Tamarack Church of Christ. At Thomas Street, Don served in many
capacities: youth ministry, bus ministry, song leader, deacon, elder, Bible teacher, and
personal evangelist. He also directed the singing at many local weddings and funerals. He and
Sherry went on two mission trips to Guyana, South America in 1993 & 1994, one to
Germany in 1967, and to New Orleans in 1966.
In addition, he conducted marriage seminars and did personal and financial counseling for
many Altus residents. Don was a member of the Kiwanis club of Altus since 1964. In 1994
and 2006, he received the yearbook award for outstanding service. In 1973, he served as the
president.
     After retiring from New York Life, he began a 23-year career with the First State Bank
of Altus. Because of his creativity in solving problems, he was known internally at the bank as
“McGuiver”.
     For many years, he was a Ham Radio operator, known as WB5NRQ. He served as a
volunteer for the Altus Civil Defense and for many years was on the board of directors for the
Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the Red Cross.
     At the age of 23, shortly before moving to Altus, Don wrote his goals for life. Everyone
who knew him can testify that he never parted from his goals:

My Aim in Life / Written Jan. 9, 1961, 9:20 pm (at age 23)

“To be a servant of my fellow human being motivated with the desire to give him a fuller,
richer, and more enjoyable life. To serve my God and his church in any capacity that will aid
the work and efforts of those about me. To be a devoted husband, void of selfishness, and
willing to compromise on any issue which does not involve any principle that is basic in being
true to myself. Also, to be a loving father to my children, instilling within them a faith in God,
self, and fellowman that will prepare them for the abundance that life has to offer.”

Sherry, Don’s wife of 49 years, still lives in Altus. They have two sons and six grandchildren.
Scott and Sabine Hayes and their three boys (Daniel, 21; Alexander, 18; Benjamin, 16) live
in Vienna Austria. Lyle and Jana Hayes have one daughter (Marina, 17) and two sons
(Marshal, 13, Mason, 12). They live in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Don’s sister (Sandra) and
her husband Lynn Johnson live in Austin, Texas.
Although he dedicated many hours to community projects, his service was really an
expression of his faith, which we can sum up with the following words from Acts 20. “I
consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the
Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” Now I know
that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me on
this earth again.

In a continued act of selflessness, Don requested that his body be donated to the University
of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Therefore there will be neither grave nor funeral
service. However, there will be a Celebration of Life service at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
(1100 E. Tamarack Road) on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 10:00 AM. There will be an
opportunity for visiting with the family Wednesday afternoon, July 7, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at
the Tamarack Road church of Christ (1000 E. Tamarack Road).

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers you may make a memorial donation to Eastern
European Mission (P.O. Box 670928, Dallas, TX 75367-0928, phone: 1 800 486 1818) or
a charity of your choice. If you would like to write an online note to the family you may use:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donhayes



On line tributes may be made to the family at www.Lowell-Tims.com