Ralph Joseph Hayes' Obituary
Ralph Joseph Hayes, age 96, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 7:10 a.m., in DuQuoin Nursing and Rehabilitation, DuQuoin, IL.
Ralph was born on January 18, 1927, in Ava, IL, a son to Jack and Mary (Aubry) Hayes. On October 30, 1948, he married Marcella Frieda Hemmer in DuQuoin, IL and she preceded him in death on August 29, 2018, after nearly 70 years of marriage. Ralph proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked at Meadowlark farms, Midwest Diary, Dunn Brothers for 20 years, and as a coal miner at Arch of Illinois Captain Mine for another 20 years until retirement. He was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL, the UMWA, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, V.F.W., N.R.A. and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. He loved being a private pilot for many years, enjoyed farming, traveling, playing music, fixing up old cars and trucks and he rebuilt several planes.
Survivors include two daughters, Pam (Sam) Loiacono, of DuQuoin, IL, and Carolyn (Brian) Engel, of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Patricia Wheatley, of DuQuoin, IL; four grandchildren, Michelle Loiacono of DuQuoin, IL, Sam (Ariele) Loiacono of Murphysboro, IL, Mary (Pere) Willhite of Payson, UT, and Julie Engel of St. Charles, MO; one great-grandson, Rook Loiacono; one great-granddaughter due in June; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two sisters, Marge Bruns and Loraine Koss; and one brother, Wayne Hayes.
Funeral services will be held at St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Andrew Knopik officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, DuQuoin, IL, where military rites will be performed by the DuQuoin American Legion and V.F.W.
Friends may call at St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The rosary will be recited at 8:30 a.m., at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Bruno Catholic School or the Masses.
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