John Patrick Hayes

Castle Rock, Colorado

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at home at age 79. John was born March 29, 1942, in Springfield, Illinois to the late Howard and Clara (Donelan) Hayes. He graduated from Griffin High School in Springfield in 1960. He obtained a Master of Science Degree in 1970 from Illinois State University. John’s varied career path led him from teaching high school and coaching football to the insurance industry, and finally to financial planning. He never really retired because he enjoyed interacting with people and helping them reach their goals.

John and his wife, Neva, moved from Springfield, Illinois to Highlands Ranch, Colorado in 1983. They moved to Castle Rock, Colorado in 2001 and became members of St. Francis Assisi parish. John was a Past Grand Knight (2008-2010), and 4th Degree Worthy Sir Knight of the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Assembly #2618. John loved to play golf, travel, take educational trainings, get together with friends at the Eagles Club, go to breakfast with his buddies., and spend time with family. He has touched many lives over the years and all who met him loved him, but his legacy is most obvious in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They have fond memories of “Papa”, as well as life lessons that will serve them into the future.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years: Neva Hayes; his three children: Dallas Schuster, Shawn Harper, and John Robert Hayes; five grandchildren: Jenelle (Casey) Goodrich, Ashley (Jonathon) Morrison, Zach (Jessica) Rudolph, Jordan (Yair) Leon, and Destin Harper; eight great grandchildren: Noah Goodrich, Egan Goodrich, Harper Goodrich, Briley Leon, Rylon Leon, Blakely Leon, Charlotte Rudolph, and Mason Rudolph; four brothers: Tim (Felicia) Hayes, David Hayes, Howard (Barb) Hayes, and Dennis (Linda) Hayes. John was predeceased by his sister Ellen Kumle and brother-in-law Roger Kumle.

Rosary vigil will be Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 6:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi, 2746 Fifth St, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 28, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi with a reception immediately following at the parish.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to From Silenced to Saved, www.fromsilencedtosaved.org.