LTC(R) Arthur E. Hayes

Greensboro - LTC(R) Arthur E. Hayes, 99, of Greensboro, NC died December 9, 2015, at Beacon Place. He was born December 30, 1915 in Marquette, Nebraska. He was the son of the late John Irvin and Clara Emma Mideke Hayes.

At the age of 5, Col. Hayes moved with his family to Hugo, Colorado. He grew up during the hardest of times, living on a farm in the Colorado dust bowl in the Great Depression. He graduated from Hugo High School with the class of 1933. While there he lettered in football and baseball and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Success Business School in Denver, CO in 1934. He worked in several hospitals in Denver as an orderly as well as stenographer in the Radiology Department at Denver General Hospital. In 1940 he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he again worked in hospitals and also private businesses.

In May 1941, he was drafted into the US Army. He ascended rapidly and by May 1942, was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was accepted into Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943. He had assignments in California and Texas before deploying to Europe during WW II. As part of Headquarters, 9th US Army he arrived in France on August 31, 1944, crossing the English Channel from Southampton, England. His unit climbed down a cargo net over the side of the ship and waded into Utah Beach. During the Battle of the Bulge, Art was stationed in Maastricht, Holland. In April 1945 his unit crossed the Rhine River into Germany, and in May, 1945, he experienced Victory in Europe Day in Muenster, Germany. For his war-time service he was cited with the Bronze Star Medal. He completed 23 years of service in the Army, including 6 years in Germany and 8 years in the Pentagon before retiring in 1964 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He continued serving his Country at the Defense Communication Agency, retiring again in 1977 to Emerald Isle, NC.

In March 1980, Col. Hayes married Virginia B. Hayes of Greensboro, NC. Following her retirement they traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe. They particularly enjoyed their time relaxing together at their house in Emerald Isle, NC. In Greensboro Art again became active in bowling leagues, participating in many local, regional and national tournaments. At the age of 94 he won the gold medal for his age group at the US Senior Games in San Jose, CA. Two years later he won the silver medal for his age group in Houston, TX . He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC, until he became physically disabled.

Art is survived by his wife, Dr. Ginny Hayes; daughter, Jacquelyn Hayes Harris, Fairfax, VA; son, LTC(R) Arthur J. Hayes (Mary Jo), Swansboro, NC; step-son, Tom Bunting (Jackie), Greensboro, NC; and step-daughter, Elizabeth Bunting Hipp (Anthony), Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, and 5 step-great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His sister-in-law Donna Hayes of Lompoc, CA also survives.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers (Lyle, Arlo, Dwayne and Kent Hayes) and a sister (Enid Hayes Krause). He was also preceded in death by the mother of his children, Anastasia I. Hayes.

Family members will attend a private Inurnment ceremony which will include Military Honors. On December 13, 2015 at 3:00 PM, a Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. A reception will follow in the Cannon Harmon Solarium.

Floral tributes will be appreciated, or those who wish may send a memorial to the Wounded Warriors Project at Wounded Warriors Project (PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675).

Hanes Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is serving the Hayes family. Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.