Donald M. Hayes

Donald M. Hayes, 87,of Farmington Hills, MI passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021 after nearly two-year valiant battle with cardiorenal disease and congestive heart failure. Don was born on April 17, 1934 in Washburn, Tennessee to Samuel and Rutha (Drummonds) Hayes. Don married the love of his life, Georgine Bashara Hayes on August 23, 1964.

Don graduated from Monroe High School and from Wayne State University receiving a Bachelors’ and Masters’ degree. Both before and after his military service (1957-1959), Don was a dedicated employee of Ford Motor Company, serving in various marketing, human resources and management roles for over 44 years until his retirement in 1999. He also served as treasurer and parish council member of the Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary’s Church in Livonia for over 15 years. Don was a member of the Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, the Walled Lake Wixom Lion’s Club, Farmington and Farmington Hills Exemplary Club, Hillsdale College President’s Club and an honorary alumnus of Hillsdale College. Don was also an avid skier and member of Otsego Ski Club for many decades. He loved taking his family, including his children and grandchildren, on vacation, especially ski trips to Snowmass, Colorado and visiting with his family in New York City. Beyond everything, Don was the most genuine, loving and dedicated person one could ever hope to meet. In addition to his wife, Georgine, Don is survived by two daughters, Tricia Hayes (Bromme) Cole of New York, New York and Ann Marie (Bob) Mourad of Rochester, MI; a very dear to his heart niece, Tracy Hayes, and five grandchildren: Kaitlin Mourad, Chloe Mourad, Mackenzie Cole, Bromme “Bix” Cole II and Waverly Cole.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings, Coy Hayes, Pauline Wiginton, Wanda Gentil, Owen Hayes, Audrey Heath and his twin brother, Ron Hayes.

Memorial services for Don will be held Tuesday, June 8th at 11am at the Basilicia of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church 18100 Merriman Rd., Livonia, followed by a meal of mercy and a private family burial. Services will be officiated by his dear friend Father George Shalhoub and Father Jim King. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, June 7th from 5:30 to 8pm and Tuesday 10am to 11am at the Basilicia of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church. Memorial contributions should be made to the Basilicia of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, Hillsdale College, or Madison Square Park Conservancy.