John K. Hayes, 78, of Mt. Vernon died 7 am June 16, 1996, at Crossroads Community Hospital.

He was employed for 18 years at Illinois Central Railroad as an oiler and also was a farmer and livestock dealer.

Mr. Hayes was born Oct. 15, 1917 in Doniphan, Missouri, a son of James C. and Hannah Wesley (Jarrett) Hayes.

March 16, 1935 in Mt. Vernon, he married Reatha M. Steward, who died Sept. 24, 1989.

Services will be 10:30 am Tuesday at Hughey Funeral Home with the Rev. Lee Redfern and the Rev. Tony Auxier officiating. Burial will be in East Salem Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 pm today at Hughey Funeral Home.

Mr. Hayes is survived by three sons, James W. "Jim" Hayes and wife Shirley,of Mt. Vernon, John T. "Terry" Hayes and wife Judy of Mt. Vernon, Randy F. Hayes and wife Vicki of Mt. Vernon; two daughters Shirley Reeker and husband Fred of Mt. Vernon and Judy Flota and husband Larry of Mt. Vernon; 13 granchildren;18 great grandchildren; one brother Clifford R. Hayes and wife Lucille of Richland, Mich.; one sister Clara (Dutch) Heald of Anson, Texas; several nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Florence Casey of Mt. Vernon.

He was a member of East Salem Baptist Church.

Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by his parents, wife, four brothers, Steve Hayes, James C. Hayes, Samuel Hayes and Ray Hayes, and three sisters Nora McPheeters, Tina McGhee and Stella Jolly.

For those who wish memorials may be made to the East Salem Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Submitted by Kiowana Hayes Ferguson
July 25, 2001