Henry Howard Hayes

Henry was born on April 28, 1936, in Rifle, to Richard Henry and Anna Emma (Barreith) Hayes. He spent his childhood in Debeque, and graduated high school there. Henry enlisted in the US Navy, and spent 17 years on the submarines USS Seacat, USS Rasher, USS Mariano G. Vallejo, and the USS Lewis & Clark. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 23 1/2 years of service. After leaving the Navy, Henry attended San Diego State University, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocational Arts. He became a vocational education teacher, and was also a quality control technician. . During his time in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Ann Josephine Batten, and they were married on December 20, 1959, in Norfolk, Virginia. Throughout their marriage, Henry and Ann lived in Encinitas, California; Vallejo, California; Charleston, South Carolina; Bremerton, Washington; Key West, Florida; Millington, Tennessee; and Honolulu, Hawaii. They settled in Grand Junction where they spent the last 26 years.

Henry was a member of the VFW and the American Legion, and a former member of the Elks. He and Ann attended St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Henry enjoyed playing pool, golfing, listening to music, traveling, and was a master gardener. He was a loving and gentle, yet strong man; and was totally devoted to his family. Because he loved serving in the Navy, and especially the time spent serving on the submarines, Henry will be buried at sea at his request.

Henry is survived by his wife, Ann Josephine Hayes; son, Patrick Henry (Diana) Hayes, of Grand Junction; daughter, Sarah Kathryn (John) Whetzell of Englewood, Colorado; granddaughter, Jacquelynn Ann Hayes, of Encinitas, California; brothers, Fred Olander (Ruth) Hayes of Palisade, and John William (Gail) Hayes of Bismark, North Dakota; sisters, Effie Mae Rucker of Grand Junction, Margaret Marie Landsdown of Escondido, California, and June Elizabeth West of Grand Junction. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Vanessa Yvonne Hayes; brother, Richard Hayes and his wife, Nancy; and three brothers-in-law, George Rucker, Ken Landsdown, and Michael West.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in late spring or early summer of 2021. Memorial contributions may be made in Henry’s name to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at www.nmcrs.org.