Dean D. Hayes, 81, a resident of Lancaster, CA., prior resident of Silver City, NM for nearly 25 years. He was born December 23, 1932 to Mazel Dean and Dorise Davies Hayes and entered eternal rest on February 1, 2014. His wife of 45 years, Joan N. Hayes having preceded him in death, he would choose to spend 9 of the remaining 13 months of his life in California with a son and daughter. Dean was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and United States Air Force. In Silver City, he would be elected a member of the Planning Commission. Together with is wife, his work ethic and dedication to the task at hand made all the difference to those his life would, in some way, serve.

He is survived by three sons, three daughters, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Of the many and varied jobs, he would undertake to do over the course of his remarkable life, perhaps his most meaningful was his explanation of family to those that would listen. Accomplished as a poem, written just months prior to his passing:

ON FAMILY

You’ve honored us…Ours, Mine and Yours

Through most our ups and downs and more

Somehow, someway, gave equally

Your love to each…just differently.

Yet herein lies your hidden clue,

For lives lived with and without you 

Where love’s the gift, and hearts receive,

As much as blood…Makes family!

Upholds God’s truth, what’s meant to be 

Says…I am You, and You are me.

D.D. Hayes

A memorial service will be celebrated Wednesday, March 8 at Terrazas Funeral Chapels at 11:30am with Pastor Tim Heyer officiating. Concluding service and inurnment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.  

Please send condolences to P.O. Box 221 Silver City, NM 88062-0221. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.