Lyle H. "Sonny" Hayes Sr.

Lyle "Sonny" Henry Hayes, Sr., 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the David Simpson Hospice House in Cleveland. Sonny was born July 23, 1932, in Dunkirk, New York, to Lyle Hayes and Mary (Altweis) Hayes. He graduated in 1950 from West Farmington High School, where he was a standout athlete, playing both baseball and basketball. From 1952 to 1954, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Sonny worked for 44 years at Reliance Electric, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. On April 30, 1960, Sonny married the love of his life, Sally Fox, and together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. Sonny had two passions in life: baseball and being a musician. He was a well-known and talented musician throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. Beginning with the Missouri Fox Hunters, Sonny Hayes and the Mellowtones and ending with The Sonny Hayes Band. He brought joy to countless people by playing on the radio and television, as well as at weddings, dances, parties, and community events. He continued to enjoy music after retirement by watching and listening to his children play. A lifelong lover of baseball, Sonny also devoted 17 years coaching the ARC baseball team, sharing not only his knowledge of the game but also his patience, encouragement, and kindness. He especially enjoyed coaching with his son, Michael. He was deeply involved in his community, joining numerous clubs and taking an active role in the American Legion and VFW. Sonny enjoyed meeting new people and making lasting friendships. Above all else, Sonny treasured the time he spent with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally Hayes "Sugar Babe"; his sister, Virginia Yocum; his children, Lyle (Becky) Hayes Jr., Robert Hayes, Michael (Renae) Hayes, Denise (Randy) Waite, and Tricia (Joe) Oros; 15 grandchildren, Taylor, Logan, Brandon, Paige, Brittney, Bobby, Danielle, Colton, Nathan, Lauren, Joshua, Stephen, Christina, Andrew, and Matthew; two great-grandchildren, Gemma and Liam; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra Siracki. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10AM, at Our Lady of Peace, Mount Carmel Church, 1200 E. 21st Street, Ashtabula, Ohio. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Ashtabula. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Memorial contributions may be made in Sonny's name to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004, or Northeast Ohio Autism Group, PO Box 244, Gates Mills, Ohio 44040. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Western Reserve. And especially to in-home caregivers, JoAnn Timonere and Hannah Kinney, for their compassion, kindness, and friendship they shared with Sonny and his family. Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.ducro.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lyle, please visit our floral store.