William Hayes Obituary

William "Buck" Hayes
November 30, 1932
January 3, 2024

William C. Hayes, better known as Buck, was born and raised in Globe, Arizona. He retired from the Air Force in Colorado Springs where he lived out his life. Buck passed away on January 3rd, 2024 at the age of 91.
Buck was born November 30th, 1932 to Jesse Hayes and Vivian Green. He was the second oldest of the Four "B's" Betsy, Buck, Barbara, and, Burton. After graduating high school in Globe, Arizona, he joined the Air Force ROTC at Arizona State College and became the student Body President. After graduating college Buck made a career in the Air Force with NORAD Intelligence. While in the Air Force he traveled the world visiting places like Vietnam, Japan, Germany, and all over the United States. On his journey he was blessed with two children Linda, born in Japan and Randall who barely made it state side before making his debut. Buck earned a Master's in Business from George Washington University in Montgomery Alabama. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service and started investing in real estate and land. Buck Hayes loved being outdoors. Buck was the ultimate hunter, fisher, and camping buddy. He loved his children and his grandchildren and he took pride in helping others learn to fish and hunt. Buck had a strong love for ice cream, which was a common interest he shared with his grandchildren and many others. On any given day Buck could be found drinking coffee and eating ice cream while discussing his latest hunting stories.
Buck is predeceased by his wife Gundula Hayes, his son Randall Hayes, his parents Jesse Hayes, and Vivian Green, and his sister Betsy Manning. He is survived by his daughter Linda Keyes, his daughter-in-law Gina Hayes, his four grandchildren TJ, Tricia, Jessica, and William, and his 5 great grandchildren Justin (19), Casey (18), Lexi (10), SJ (8), and Aria (1 month).

Services will be held at a Shrine of Remembrance on Thursday, January 18th, 2024 at 1:30pm. We will complete the ceremony with Military Honors at Evergreen Cemetery at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers the family request you go fishing.

Shrine of Remembrance address: 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Evergreen Cemetery address: 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO 80903