July 3, 1919 ~ July 19, 2012 (age 93)
Donald Thomas Hayes, 93, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012 in Norman, Oklahoma. Don was born July 3, 1919 in Soper, Oklahoma to Thomas William and Maud Lee Gabbert Hayes. He attended school in Wills Point, Texas, and Trinity University on a football scholarship.
He joined the Navy in 1941 and served in the South Pacific during WWII. Afterward, he joined the Air Force Reserve and was activated during the Korean War and served stateside.
While serving in the United States Navy, he married Margaret Virginia (Glover) Hayes on July 2, 1942, in San Diego, California. He began his 60-year automobile career in Texas. He owned Hayes Oldsmobile-Cadillac in Norman, Oklahoma, 1961 until 1966. In 1966, Don and Margaret moved to Ada, Oklahoma where they owned Hayes Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Nissan Dealership until 2000. In 2004, they moved to Norman to live near their son and family.
Don was a former member of Kiwanis, and a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Ada. He loved sports, played golf, and was an avid OU football and girl's basketball fan. During their retirement years, they had many opportunities to travel around the world.
Don was a gentleman with a quick smile, an outgoing personality, and a wonderful sense of humor. He celebrated 65 years with his wife Margaret, whom he adored. He enjoyed sharing a business with his son Tom, and always relished time with his family.
He is survived by his son, Tom Hayes and wife Mary of Norman; grandson, Jon Hayes and wife Kari of Norman; and great grandsons, Hunter and Parker. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret Hayes; sister, Pat Hayes and brother, Bob Hayes.
Family will greet friends on Sunday, July 22, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman. Open visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 21, and 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2012.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 23, 2012 at Woodside Cemetery, Grand Saline, Texas.
Arrangements for Don and his family were placed in the care of the Vice Family at the Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.
Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com