C.L. HAYES JR.

Stiritz– Clarence Lee Hayes, Jr, (CL), 99 years old was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, August 9, 2024, at his home.

CL was born on the family's property near Stiritz, IL, November 20, 1924, the firstborn child of Clarence and Rachel (Barger) Hayes. He married Marie McClain of Johnston City on December 24, 1948.

He is survived by three children, Randy Alan (Donna) Hayes of Polo, IL and twins, Cathy Lynn (Lee) Harms of Lenzburg, IL (Darmstadt) and Curtis Lee (Mabel) Hayes of rural Johnston City; six grandchildren Colin (Heather) Hayes of Aurora, IL, Toby Harms (Juli) of St. Jacob, IL, Magan Harms of Belleville, IL, Jerod Kurt (Amanda) Hayes of Johnston City, IL and Jeremy (Kathleen) Hayes, of Basil, Switzerland; nine great-grandchildren, Camryn Hayes of Aurora, IL, Pacey, Piper and Winston Harms of St. Jacob, IL, Ezekiel "Zeke" and Rachel Hayes of Johnston City, IL, and Owen Hayes of Chicago, IL, Mitchell Hayes of Champaign, IL and Natalie Jean Hayes of Basel, Switzerland; and one nephew Rick Hayes of West Frankfort (Stiritz) IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 67 years and by a brother Cecil Hayes who died on August 9 of 1996.

After graduating from Johnston City High School in 1941, CL began his working career on a dairy farm in northern Illinois. He next worked on a vegetable farm that was later sold to become a part of O'Hare International Airport. He returned to Johnston City and worked at Norge Industries. He began his mining career by working in Illinois and Kentucky mine construction and finally completed his mining career when he retired from Freeman United Coal Company east of Johnston City. Of all the varied mining experiences, he most enjoyed working as a welder at Freeman Four.

CL was a life- long member of Stiritz United Methodist Church and served for many years as a Trustee and as the church custodian and groundskeeper. He was a faithful and active member until the disruption caused by Covid 19.

CL had a fierce independence and a determination to die with dignity in his home. It was his wish to die in his sleep, in his own bed on the property on which he was born. Because his son Curtis lived nearby and chose to care for him, his wish was made possible.
"Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." Isaiah 57:2

We will celebrate his earthly life and rejoice in his eternal rest with all the saints who have gone on before him. Funeral arrangements are in the trusted hands of Murman and Wilson Funeral Home, Johnston City, IL. Graveside services and interment of ashes will be at Egyptian Memorial Gardens, Energy, IL on Saturday, August 24 at 11:00 am with Reverend Sherri Cisneros officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 400 West Broadway, Johnston City, IL 62951.

Following the graveside service family and friends are invited to a light luncheon and time of fellowship and celebration of life at Blondie's Bakery Side room in Johnston City.