William J. Hayes

William J. Hayes

Bakersfield, CA

William J. Hayes October 16th, 1924-October 29th, 2015.

Born in Elm Creek, Nebraska, his family later on moved to Cottage Grove. Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 during WWII at the age of nineteen for three years. During the war he parachuted into Normandy during the Allied Invasion on D-Day June 6, 1944. He fought in several campaigns throughout his service. He received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the 501 as part of the 101st Airborne Division for action during the Battle of the Bulge, and several other accolades.

After the war, he went to college on the G.I. Bill. He graduated from the University of Oregon, with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He was then hired by Shell Oil which placed him in Bakersfield, California. Shortly after he met Billie C. McCright whom he married in 1953, they were married for twenty-five years. Later on, he met Doris Young whom he married in 1981; they were married for thirty-two years.

He loved to travel throughout the U.S. on his motorcycle with Doris. He had a love of crossword puzzles, his five o'clock martini, and enjoyed participating in the West Coast Airborne Association and vet club gatherings. One of his joys was to tell stories of growing up on the farm in Nebraska, his adventures in WWII, and his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Della; siblings Frank, Richard, Helen, and Irene. As well as son Thomas "Skip" and daughter Marjorie Ann. Left to cherish his memories are his siblings: Ruth, Jo Ann and Della. Sons: Gene, Billy, Matt, and Marty; and daughter Catherine. He will also be missed by step-daughter Rebecca A. Young Jones and step-son Scott Young .

As well as nine grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Everyone who met him immediately felt the warmth of his humor, intelligence, and friendship. He will be greatly missed.

A 10:30 a.m. service will be held Dec 7, 2015 at Bakersfield Memorial National Cemetery.