Obituary of Melvin E. Hayes

Melvin E. Hayes Age 90 of Horseheads and also Delray Beach, FL, passed away after a brief illness Sun. Sept. 6, 2015 at home surrounded by family. Mel was born in Elmira to S. Clifford and Helene Hicks Hayes. He is survived by his wife Marjorie Cowan Hayes; Sons and daughters, Bonnie (Charles) Breines of Boynton Beach, FL, Dennis (Kim) Hayes of Waneta Lake, NY, Judy Eddy (Barry McCuen) of Milan, PA Chet (Karen) Hayes of Horseheads, NY, Keith (deceased in 2011) Lisa Hayes of Elmira Heights, NY, Sheldon Hayes of Alpine, NY, Brian Hayes of Breesport, NY, David (Abby) Hayes of Lamoka Lake, NY, and Daniel (Judiann) Hayes of Horseheads, NY; Over 90 grandchildren and great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. Brothers and sister, Norman Hayes, Doug (Mary) Hayes, and Delores Strope all of Horseheads, NY and several extended family members and friends. Mel was also predeceased by a son, Keith Hayes and brothers, Justin and Kenneth Hayes. Mel lived a good life with his wife Marjorie in homes in Horseheads, Delray Beach, and Lamoka Lake. The lake was a huge part of family life. Mel and Marjorie were one of the first residences on the west side of Lamoka Lake with the cottage being completed in 1951 and in use continuously since then. The Hayes Clan (Lamoka Lake Rats) would arrive the day after school ended and return home the day after Labor Day. He could talk to and make friends with anyone. He enjoyed water skiing up until age 75. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling the US and Canada. Mel was a hard working prominent business man who started and ran two successful businesses that covered a 64 year span and still run by his family. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home 413 S. Main St. Horseheads on Thurs. Sept. 10, 2015 from 4-7:00 pm. His service will be celebrated at the funeral home on Fri at 10:00 am. Burial service will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park www.barberfuneralhome.com