Dateline: Godfrey, IL
Walter "Walt" Anthony Hayes,92, passed away at 11:54 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 at his residence. He was born May 10, 1932 in Godfrey the son of the late Walter and Helen (Stiritz) Hayes. Walt was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey and served in the U.S. Army. He retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1996 where he worked as an technical writer.
On May 16, 1953 in Alton he married Lorraine Hesse and she preceded him in death on March 16, 2019. Surviving are one daughter, Michelle Hayes of Hazelwood, MO, one son, Michael Hayes (Selena) of East Alton, three grandchildren, Heather Copeland, Brianna Copeland and Autumn Kaiser and eight great grandchildren, Andrea Pena, Audrey Pena, Michael Pena II, Landen Copeland, Marley Echols, Melvin Neither, Serenity Echols and King Echols. Besides his wife and parents he was preceded in death by one grandson, Nicholas Copeland, one sister, Anita Hubener and three brothers, Paul Hayes, John "Jack" Hayes and Jim Hayes. Visitation will be Monday, August 26, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton, where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors. Deacon Jay Wackerly. Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or Marquette Catholic High School. Friends and family may visit www.gentfuneralhome.com to view service times and leave condolences for the family.