John S. Hayes, 93 of Midland, went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2017.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from 6:00-8:00PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 3:00PM at Resthaven North Cemetery in Midland.John was born in Sulligent, Alabama on December 23, 1923 to Jesse and Donnie Hayes. He was one of 12 children.John was drafted into the Army Air Force during World War II and was Honorably Discharged in 1946.John completed his military training in Denver, Colorado and was stationed in Dakar, Africa, Naples, Italy and Sardinia. He then enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and did a tour of duty on the USS Mercury and then stationed at Patuxent River, Maryland. He later toured on the USS Albany and the USS Barry, and was later stationed at Turks Island. He retired at Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1963. John had awards from the North African Campaign and the European Campaign as well as Good Conduct Awards. John retired from the military after serving 20 years and moved to Midland, Texas where he managed the Downtowner Motor Inn Restaurant. He also owned and operated Gulf Gas Stations where he was awarded a new Ford LTD Convertible for statewide high sales. He also owned and operated Hayes Cafeteria that was family operated for 9 years, located in downtown Midland. He retired in the late 1970’s. John was a member of Second Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge and Shriners.John married Helen Jean Parker in Mt. Rainier, Maryland in 1953. He was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a totally unselfish man with a compassionate heart for the less fortunate, always worked hard and put his family first.John is preceded in death by his parents; Jesse and Donnie Hayes; daughter, Linda Hayes Goode; brothers, James Hayes, Jerry Hayes, Thurman Hayes, A.J. Hayes and Raymond Hayes; and sister, Ruby Hayes Golden.John is survived by his wife, Helen Jean Hayes; daughters, Sylvia Mullins (James), Teresa Hayes Patteson (Cary), Nancy Hayes Luttrell (Richard); sons, Douglas B. Hayes (Dora), John Paul Hayes (Debbie); sisters, Minnie Brasfield, Dorothy Nell Jeter, Virginia Gibson, Charlene McGinty; brother, Frank D. Hayes; 16 wonderful grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home, 1809 N US Highway 87, Big Spring, Texas 79720.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
