"Hardworking hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best."Devoted husband, father, grandad and friend, Joe Ervin Hayles, 71, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2004 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born in Kilbourne, Louisiana on December 31, 1932 to Joseph Frank and Minnie Ruth Hayles.As a young man, Joe joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 20 years, including a tour of duty during the Viet Nam Conflict, where he helped maintain the F-4 Phantom jet fighter aircraft. Retiring in 1973 with the rank of Master Sergeant, he then joined the U. S. Postal Service and worked as a dedicated employee for 25 years, finally retiring in 1999.During his military career, he was stationed in several far away places, including Germany where he met and married the love of his life, Gisela Leibrock on August 30, 1955. Together they raised two children and shared 49 years of love and devotion.He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lloyd and DeWayne. Joe is survived by his beloved wife Gisela; loving children Ruth and Jeff; four wonderful grandkids, Meredith Hayles, Stephanie Ruth and Kelsey Jo Jacobsen and Joshua Aaron Hayles; a wonderful son-in-law, Harry R. Jacobsen and a host of friends, especially Rick and Heidi, Mitzi, Frieda, George and Aileen who gave their time, love and support to him and his family.A special note of thanks and love to his caregivers, Jason, Carlos and Chaplain Terry and staff at Hospice of Midland. God bless you all. Joe will be greatly missed and loved always by those who knew him.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 4, 2004 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel with Chaplain Terry Johnson with Hospice of Midland, officiating. Final internment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio at a later date.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4400 N. Big Spring St. C32, Midland, Texas 79705 or to Hospice of Midland, 911 W. Texas, Midland, Texas 79701."I am the Resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live". John 11:25,
