Donald Paul Hayes

Donald Paul Hayes was born on December 4, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, to William B. and Julia Radoslajvic Hayes.

He spent his school years in various locations, graduating high school from a Department of Defense school in Zaragoza, Spain. He earned his college degree from California State University, Sacramento, and went on to obtain a master's degree from the University of Utah and the University of Arkansas. Additionally, he took extra courses at several colleges and universities while stationed in the Air Force. Don served as a Staff Sergeant and fuel specialist from 1969 to 1973. After completing his military service, he worked as an efficiency expert consultant for a few years while continuing his education at nearby colleges.

In 1981, he moved to the Fayetteville area to finish his teaching degree. That same year, he met and married Linda Bricker. After returning to Northwest Arkansas, he began teaching at Bentonville schools and later at Prairie Grove schools until his retirement in 2009. Don was a much-loved teacher among both staff and students, particularly enjoying teaching math and science, especially physics and AP calculus. He actively supported and sponsored many school activities and clubs, including the Science and Math Clubs, Odyssey of the Mind, and the Chess Club. He also provided tutoring to students before and after school.

Don had a passion for writing poetry, solving various math problems, and programming for fun. He authored and published five books, along with several articles for specialized magazines and journals in mathematics, science, and gaming.

A long-time member and Elder of the Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church in Prairie Grove, Don cherished teaching but also enjoyed traveling, reading, attending plays, listening to music, watching baseball games, supporting college football, and engaging in games, science experiments-particularly with students-and puzzles. Throughout his life, Don lived on four continents, visited all 50 states, and traveled to over 50 countries.

When the Lord called him, Don answered. Upon knocking on Heaven's door, he was welcomed in. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Linda Bricker Hayes, of Fayetteville; two daughters, Valerie and Carol Hayes of Seattle, WA; brothers William and his wife Shelley Hayes of Houston, TX, and Edward (Ed) of Springdale, AR; his brother-in-laws Michael Bricker of Phoenix, AZ; Chris Bricker of Bradenton, FL; sister-in-law Connie Patrick of Fort Mill, SC; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends scattered across the globe.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Butterfield Trail Village Performance Hall, 1923 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72703. To leave a tribute, visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, Fayetteville, Arkansas.