Donald James Hayes

He received a Master of Science in Physics from LSU New Orleans and a PhD in Materials Science from Rice University, launching a career that spanned over fifty years and included work as a safety engineer on the S-1C (first stage of the Saturn V rocket) at Boeing's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. In 1984 Don established an R&D company, MicroFab Technologies, where he worked for the remainder of his life and contributed his scientific knowledge on over 50 patents.

Don married Cheryl Couvillon in 1970 and raised two children, Matthew and Sarah, in Plano, TX. Don enjoyed gardening and planted over 100 trees in his one acre yard. He also enjoyed whittling wood, baseball, collecting antique cameras and science instruments, books, and music. In later years his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, especially sharing science, math, and acorns from his trees.

Don was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by wife Cheryl, son Matthew (Emily) Hayes, daughter Sarah (Jesse) Holthaus, and two beloved grandchildren Daphne Hayes and Ambrose Holthaus. Don is also survived by brothers Pat, Steve, and Mike Hayes, as well as many friends and relatives.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church (1201 Alma Dr. Plano, TX) at 11AM on Friday, October 14th. Lunch reception follows immediately in McGivney Hall. Inurnment of remains will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heard Natural Science Museum in McKinney, TX (heardmuseum.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the Hayes family.