Melvin Elwood Hayes

Melvin Hayes, 91, passed away on November 21, 2025, at his home in Lewistown, Montana. Melvin, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was born February 4, 1934, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Charles and Mary (Kurns) Hayes. In 1938, they moved to Christina, Montana. The Hayes family moved to Lewistown, Montana, in 1940, where Mel attended school for 11 years. For his senior year, he attended Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Montana. After graduating from the Academy, he attended Walla Walla College. In 1957, he married Wanda Partain in Seattle, Washington. In 1958, he moved back to Lewistown, where he went to work for his father in the livestock business. In 1961, he took over the Flour Mill on Main Street, changing the name to Western Flour Mills. After operating for 2 years, he moved the operation to Billings. 7 years later, he sold the mill to a Seattle company. Melvin, along with his 3 children, moved to Spokane, Washington, in 1969. During this time, he started a construction company. He also owned and operated a video store through 1987. Melvin then moved to Los Angeles, California, and worked as a Building Inspector for the City of LA until his retirement in 1999. Shortly afterward, he moved to Blanchard, Idaho, where he lived for 14 years. He then returned to Lewistown, Montana, to care for his mother after his sister Gail Byers' death. He had planned to move to Arizona after his mother's passing, but then his brother Chuck Hayes also passed away. He has remained in Lewistown, Montana, since.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Annette Koening, son, Kevin Hayes (Annette), sister-in-law, Emma Hayes, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Hayes, who will be buried with him.

Graveside service for Melvin Hayes will be held Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Lewistown City Cemetery, 1110 8th Ave. North. Pastor Jason Johnson is officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com