Frederick Emerson Hayes

Frederick Emerson Hayes, Sr., age 85, passed away Monday, June 9, 2014 in Sebring, Florida. He had recently undergone treatment for blocked arteries, but that couldn't heal his broken heart from the passing of his wife, Leona Gene Hayes, 15 days earlier. He was born November 24, 1928 in Canton, Ohio to Walter S. and Mina M. (Mefford) Hayes. He graduated from the welding program at Timken High School in 1946. In 1948, he married Leona Gene, with whom he celebrated 66 wonderful years of marriage. In 1982, he retired from the Canton City Fire Department after 26 years of service, working many of those at Number 1 station driving the hook and ladder. Throughout the years, he owned many businesses, most notably Home Pick-Up Service in Canton and Hayes Orchard near Minerva, often working two or three jobs to provide for his beloved family. Fred was an original, a strong character who loved to laugh, especially when competing in tennis, golf, baseball, fumble ball, volleyball, and most other sports. Always a fierce competitor, he was an inaugural inductee into the Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for fumble ball. He participated in the Senior Olympics in Ohio and Florida, often trying a new event for the fun of it. Fred made even mundane chores a game, teaching his children to work hard and play hard when that work was done. He was inventive, fixing anything with duct tape, nails, and bailing wire; he was humble and generous, making the most of little and sharing what he had to better someone else's life; he was forgiving, valuing family and friends over trivial matters; he was funny, often having people seek him out for a laugh to share; and he was a self-taught philosopher who instilled in his children how to treat others. He lived a full life, from meager beginnings with neighborhood friends and siblings to more comfortable surroundings with family and friends. If he had a motto, it would be "If you choose to be happy, you live well." Fred loved his God and lived a good example of an open-hearted Christian. He was a member of Cathedral of Life church in Canton. He is survived by his children, Brenda Neel (Jim) -Lewis Center, Ohio; Fred Hayes, Jr. (Cindy) -Sebring, FL; Susie Hayes- Canton, OH; Kathy Bolin of North Canton, OH; and Tricia King (Rich) of Canton, OH; brothers Ralph Hayes-Ocala, FL; Albert Hayes-St. Cloud, FL; sisters Esther Murphy-Canton, OH; Clara Schrade-Canton, OH; grandchildren: Jim Neel; Michelle Cumston; Fred Hayes, III; Beth Hayes; Jennifer Green; Jessica Whiteleather; Brittany Kidd; Bethany King; nine great-grandchildren and a host of loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter: Sarah Hayes and his brothers: Don Hayes; George Hayes; and sister Delores Maney. A celebration of the lives of Fred and Gene Hayes will be held at Cathedral of Life, 4111- 38th St. NW, Canton, OH, on July 2, 2014 at 1 pm. Fellowship with family and friends will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fred and Gene's memory to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Rd., Sebring, FL 33870.