William “Bill” Hayes, 92, of Festus died Oct. 8, 2024, at his home. Mr. Hayes was a 1952 graduate of Festus High School. He met his wife and spent more than 70 years married. He was in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant and served his country for eight years. He loved the Lord, playing the organ every Sunday at Charter Baptist Church for more than 40 years. He was a real estate broker and a contractor and formerly served as a loan officer at the Glassworkers Credit Union. He also was a member of the Festus-Crystal City Elks Lodge 1721. He loved spending time with his friends and family and being a “papa.” Born Feb. 26, 1932, he was the son of the late William and Laurabell Hayes.
He is survived by his wife: Judith (Mertell) Hayes; three children: Julie (Rick) Portell, Richard (Shelley) Hayes and Brenda (Kelley) Young; 12 grandchildren: Josh (Melanie) Portell, Cortney (Kevin) Harris, Colby (Bridget) Portell, Stephanie (Chris) Sanders, Ashley (Mario) Garcia, Chelsea (Matt) Leitterman-Higgins, Adam (Chad) Young, Callie (Ryan) Picarella, Tyler Young, Abby Young, Abigail (Brad) Henderson and Donovan Hayes; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. today, Oct. 11, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Services are scheduled from 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the fundal home. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Presbyterian-Methodist Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.