Barron Hayes

1935 - 2016

BARRON LEE HAYES December 8, 1935 - November 12, 2016 "The steps of a Good Man are ordered by the LORD." Psalm 37:23 Barron Lee Hayes was born at home in Birmingham, Alabama on December 8, 1935 to Jesse Lee and Lucy Olivia (Keith) Hayes. He was the first of nine children. In 1952, the family moved to Gary, Indiana for a better future. Barron attended Roosevelt High School where he was nicknamed "Jitterbug" for his love of dancing. He graduated with honors in 1954. Barron attended Indiana University while working full-time. Barron married Willie Gene Alexander in 1959. His marriage of 23 years was blessed with three daughters, two granddaughters and one great-grandson. Barron had a long, distinguished career, believed in hard work and doing his best at everything he did. He served in the US Army Corp of Engineers in Anchorage, Alaska from 1959 to 1961. Barron made history when he was hired as the first black store manager of a Kroger store and was featured in Ebony magazine. After 12 years at Kroger, Barron became the Plant Manager at the Budd Company and retired after 23 years in 1996. Not ready to settle down, he became President of Action Maintenance Company which he ran for 10 years until he retired for a second time. For over 60 years, Barron was a faithful and active member of First A.M.E. Church in Gary, IN, serving on many committees and groups, most recently Usher Board #2. Barron made his transition into eternity on November 13, 2016 at Regency St. Catherine Hospital. He is preceded into eternity by his parents and brothers Vincent, Andre', Carlos, Roland and Ronald Hayes. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters, Sheryl, Armeca and Kimberly Hayes; his granddaughters, Taylor and Ryan Mason; great-grandson, Kai Bell; sisters, LaVern and Verdis Hayes; brother, Langston; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Barron was best known for his work ethic, loving his family and helping anyone who needed his assistance. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Visitation Friday November 25, 2016 from 12-8:00p.m. at the Guy & Allen Chapel. Funeral services Saturday November 26, 2016 at 11:00a.m with visitation 9-11:00a.m. at First A.M.E. Church 2045 Massachusetts Street. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery.