Hampton –  Kenneth Allen Hayes, son, brother, father, husband, grandfather, and friend, went home to the Lord on October 29, 2021 at the age of 65. He joins his father, Jack Edward Hayes and his mother, Lois Elaine Mershon. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.

Kenneth Hayes was born on August 10th, 1956 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He grew up with his brother, Douglas Hayes, on the family farm. His fondest memories were of the times he had growing up on the farm and spending time with his family.

He graduated from West Liberty Salem High in 1976, the bicentennial of America and the same year his favorite baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, won the World Series.
He was in the Army from 1980-1983, stationed at Ft. Eustis, where he met his best friend, Leslie Cook. He also spent a season in Antarctica while he was in, which he was very proud of. Cook introduced him to his future wife, Lorraine Gay Benner, who he would marry on April 7, 1983. He was married for 38 years until his death. They would have three children.

He was very active in his church as a commander in the Royal Rangers for 35 years where he brought smiles and jokes to everyone he met working concessions. He also volunteered at his church helping out with anything that needed fixed. He was a giving man that loved to serve in any capacity possible.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Gay Hayes; daughter, Shirley May Hayes-West (Willard); sons, Jack Edward Hayes and Kenneth Allen Hayes II (Ashley); grandchildren, Gabriel Logan Hayes, Waylon Wyatt West and Emily Shea Winkler-Hayes.

Kenneth Hayes was a great man, loved by all, and he loved everyone as well. To him, there was no such thing as a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t met yet.
His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 6th, at 2pm. It will be held at Calvary Assembly of God located at 1380 North Mallory Street Hampton, Virginia.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with arrangements.