William A Hayes

William Alden Hayes of Cibolo, TX, formerly Lincoln, NE, took his place beside our Lord on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the age of 98. William was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Dianne Hayes, nee Lucas, his son, Jeffrey Hayes (61), and his daughter, Terry Friedel (66). Four of his six children, Tammy King of Altus, OK; Mary Morrow of Lincoln, NE; Harry Hayes of Greenville, TN; and William Hayes, II, of Cibolo, TX, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren maintain his legacy. William was born in Reynoldsburg, OH, on March 1, 1925, the second son of Harry William Hayes and Flora May Maxwell.

Harry and Flora raised their son humbly in the company of his four brothers and sisters. He was a good student and a dedicated Future Farmers of America (FFA) member. His membership in the FFA heavily influenced his future career choices. William graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in May 1943.

Shortly after William graduated high school, he reported to the Navy at Illinois State Normal University in Normal, IL, on July 1, 1943.

The Navy sent him to climatology school in Lakewood, NJ. He graduated in 1944 and served, in World War II, as an aerologist and weatherman. William volunteered to be dropped by parachute over China on an intelligence gathering assignment; World War II ended before he would have an opportunity to attempt his mission. He served one tour in the South Pacific, traveling seven months aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saidor (CVE-117), between Pearl Harbor, HI, and San Diego, CA. He attended Ohio State University upon returning home from his tour in the South Pacific. In his junior year, he met his wife, Elizabeth Lucas, fondly remembered as Liz.

They met through mutual friends at a dance hosted by the Young Men’s Christian Association. William and Liz eloped on September 13, 1947, in Catlettsburg, KY. They enjoyed 57 years together. William graduated from Ohio State University in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in soil sciences. He began a career as an agronomist working as a farmer and for the Soil Conservation Service. During this time, William and Liz gave birth to their son Jeffrey (b. 1952) and their daughter Terry (b. 1954). While continuing to work, he earned a master's degree in agronomy from Michigan State University in the spring of 1958.

The family moved to Harrisburg, PA, where their daughter Tammy was born in August 1958, followed shortly by their daughter Mary in April 1960. Their son Harry was born in January 1965. In 1967, William and his family settled in Lincoln, NE, where he continued his career with the Soil Conservation Service. William and Liz's youngest child, William II, was born in May 1972. During his long career, he partnered with numerous academic institutions, including the Universities of Michigan and Nebraska, and on behalf of the U.S. Government, the University of Moscow. He was passionate about preserving the integrity of the land and helping farmers and ranchers protect their soil and water resources. His work had a lasting impact on the environment and on those who benefited from his expertise. William had a life full of various interests.

He was passionate about his Christian faith, serving for many years as a deacon and an elder at the Lincoln Church of Christ. William courage others to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He enjoyed the company of his beloved brittany spaniels, which he bred and used for sport. He loved to hunt and fish, as a young man with his father and brothers, and later with his sons and grandsons. William was an amateur birdwatcher–a hobby he enjoyed to the end of this life. He loved to travel with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

We celebrate the life of a remarkable man who graced this earth for 98 years. His life, filled with love, laughter, and joy, continues to inspire us all. Though we mourn his passing, we honor his life by cherishing the memories we share of him and celebrate the lasting impact he had on the world around him.

The family invites you to join them on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Lincoln Memorial at 10:00 AM for a service in honor of William Alden Hayes.