OPDYKE, Ill. — Calvin A Hayes, 81, of Opdyke, Illinois, passed away on March 7, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was born December 31, 1942 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late James Arthur and Wanda Marie (Fisher) Hayes. Calvin married Dorris A. (Hess) Hayes on September 7, 1963 south of Belle Rive, Illinois.
In addition to his beloved wife of sixty years, Calvin is survived by his daughters, Cindy Pearce and husband, Nik of Opdyke, Illinois, Candy McMillan of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Christie Ince of Opdyke, Illinois; grandchildren, Cassandra (Salena), Christopher (Magdalena), Preschas (Gary), Brittany, Kameron, Kady (Braxton), Breanna (Caitlin), Nicholas (Mallorie), Calvin, Levi, and Ali (Cole); great-grandchildren, Aidan, Elaine, Parker, Lillian, Ellyanna, Myla, Theodore, Waylon, Greyson, Raegan, Vincent, Luna, Nova, Preston, Tucker; brothers, Donnie Hayes of Belle Rive, Illinois and Bill Hayes and wife, Mary of Centralia, Illinois; brother-in-law, Russell Hess and wife, Anna of Akin, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Calvin is preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Safford and husband, Tex; brother, J.B. Hayes; and sister-in-law, Sue Hayes.
Mr. Hayes proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Throughout the years, he worked at Precision National, Monterey Coal Company, and owned and operated Baskets and Blossoms Greenhouse. He retired from Mount Vernon Township High School were he worked in maintenance. Calvin was a member of the NRA and Illinois State Rifle Association. He was an avid gardener, loved roses, and had a green thumb. Calvin was of the Baptist Faith and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am with Reverend Seth Schlag officiating. Interment will follow at Smith Cemetery in Belle Rive, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Calvin’s honor to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.