Vernon Hayes, 84, of Turlock, died Sunday after a long battle with C.O.P.D.
He was born at the old Emanuel Hospital in Turlock to Robert and Florence Hayes. He attended Mitchell, Washington, and Turlock High School, and grew up working with his dad on the family farm west of Turlock.
Vernon joined the U.S. Army near the end of WWII and after his honorable discharge in 1947 he went to work for T. I. D. where he spent 38 years as a heavy equipment operator. He loved to spend time with his family, fishing, and to make homemade banana ice cream.
Vernon is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Doris Hayes, daughters Harletta Gosik of Denair and Theresa (Roy) Turner of Turlock, and son Darrell (Carolyn) Hayes of Waterford. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and sisters Wahneeta Thomas of Auburn, WA and Dixie (John) Chance of Denair. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Janice Johnson.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at Turlock Memorial Park on Friday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Turlock Journal
Wednesday, September 7, 2011