GEORGE LESTER HAYES

January 20, 1933 - November 24, 2024

George Lester Hayes beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather moved to his Heavenly Home on November 24, 2024, at the age of 91.

George was born to Lester George Hayes and Dolly Lou Velma Fields on January 20, 1933.  George married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Evelyn Brannan on April 23, 1953.  They were married for 63 years.

George served his country in the United States Navy active duty in the Korean War from 1952-1956.  He was present and observed from his naval ship the Atomic Test at Eniwetok Proving Ground, Marshall Islands in the winter of 1954 for which he received commendations.  He was trained in mechanical repairs of B-52 planes and flew on check rides with the pilot and copilot to give visual gauge reports.  He continued on in reserves until 1960.  During that time, he became a Denver Firefighter.  George received commendations for life saving endeavors going beyond the ordinary call of duty during his 25 years of service.  He retired as an Engineer and was commended for his outstanding service and dedication to the Denver Fire Department in 1983.  He then maintained his business of exterior and interior painting until he retired at the age of 70.

George was known and loved around the Elk Rapids area for his heart for people.  He was known to give anyone who would receive one his "Forget Me" cards which read "Hello, I'm George.  If we meet and you forget me, you have lost nothing; but if you meet JESUS CHRIST and forget Him, you have lost everything."  He purchased and engraved a Bible with their name for anyone that wanted one.

He will be deeply missed  by his two daughters, Katherine Irene Hayes (Albee), and Peggy Ann Hayes (Gladfelter), grandchildren Jonathan (Leslie) Albee of Normal Illinois, Joshua Albee of Normal Illinois, Joanna (Rob) Willett of Normal Illinois, Jason (Ashley) Albee of Normal Illinois, Alicia (Todd) Key of Traverse City,  Candace (Joshua) Tomei of Traverse City, and Micah Gladfelter of Traverse City; great grandchildren Ayden Key, Ella Key, Anna-Belle Willett, Emery Key, Norah Tomei, Emma Willett, Piper Tomei, Andrew Albee, and Beckham Tomei.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Elk Rapids Bible Church, 400 E 3rd Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in South Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators at www.wycliffe.org

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com