Charles Hayes

Hayes, Dr. Charles Henry, 90, long time principal of Hometown Elementary School, Hometown, IL passed away on October 6, 2023. He is survived by his loving companion, Martha Sydanmaa, son Kieran, daughter Chari, grandchildren, Lauryn Morgenstern Beaulieu, (Paul) and Adam Morgenstern (Alicia), great granddaughters Layla and Finley Morgenstern and Eloise Beaulieu, Sister Linda Stateman (Elmer), and Brother David Hayes (Kathy).

Dr. Hayes proudly served in the United States Navy as a journalist with the Pacific fleet. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education from Illinois State University, and a Doctorate in Administration from Loyola University. He taught in Bloomington and Fairbury, Illinois before becoming Principal of Hometown Elementary School, Oak Lawn/Hometown School District 123 for 30 years from 1966-1996.

He was an active member of the educational community authoring several magazine articles and teaching manuals, guest lecturing, and chairing and serving on both state and local educational committees. He was named Educator of the year by SSAEOP in 1988. He touched the lives of hundreds of boys and girls and their parents as Principal of Hometown School and will be remembered for his "open door" policy always making himself available to students, teachers, parents, and community members. He was well respected by his teaching staff. After retiring from Hometown School, he became a realtor for Coldwell Banker.

A visitation will be held at Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 South Kostner Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453, on Monday, November 6th, 2023 from 10am - 11am. Service to start promptly at 11am.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blakelamboaklawn.com for the Hayes family.