Donald J. Hayes

Donald J. Hayes VALPARAISO, IN - Donald J. Hayes, Age 83, was born May 11, 1934 in East St. Louis, IL. He died November 19, 2017 at home in Valparaiso, IN surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jean; daughter, Vicky (Garry) Gadd and son, Donald A. Hayes both of Valparaiso; granddaughter, Lynae (Paul) Kibiger of Brownsburg, IN; grandsons, Brandon (Desiree) Granzow of Portland, OR and Jason (Lisa) Hayes of Chesterton, IN; great-grandchildren Avery and Rown Kibiger, Koyie and Colt Hayes and Jovie Granzow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mable Hayes; son, Garry Hayes, grandson Ryan Granzow and great-granddaughter Annesly Kibiger. Don attended Edison High School in Gary, IN and then joined his father building oil storage tanks for Chicago Bridge and Iron, traveling the USA. Shortly after his marriage to Mary Jean, Don began working locally, retiring from U.S. Steel in 1999. Don loved to build things around the house. Often when Mary Jean was away for a few days, he would surprise her with a garden project that he knew would please her. He built arbors, decks, bars, house-additions, fences, and more. He was a great car enthusiast, owning over fifty cars during his lifetime and was skilled at crossword puzzles, solving difficult puzzles every day. Don finally watched his Cubies win the World Series last year. He excelled at many sports, including bowling, golf, and softball. In softball, he was a power-hitter and home-run king; in fact, his grand-slam home-run won the tournament in 1970. With Mary Jean and friends, he took many fun vacations and cruises, Hawaii being his favorite. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at EDMONDS & EVANS FUNERAL HOME, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304 with Pastor Craig Forwalter officiating. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Rd., Ste. 105, Northfield, IL 60093. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.