Wayne S. Hayes

Wayne S. Hayes "Twig", 77, has gone home to our Lord and loved ones. He served with the U.S. Marines for 6 years and with the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 21 years. Wayne retired from USF Holland Trucking Company in 2007. He enjoyed auto racing and drove many laps with the winners checkered flag. His 1957 Chevy is being restored by his sons.

He married his first wife Mary Anne and they were blessed with seven children. He met his second wife Mary Rita when she was 9 years old and he was 14. They couldn't date but they formed a lifelong bond. Their paths took different roads until 2005 when they met up again. That long ago bond was still there for them and they married in 2007.

They were members at the Sanctuary Church of Cuyahoga Falls. While there they were volunteers with the Fish and Loaves Food Pantry. Wayne was known as the candy man, always with candy for the children and some adults too. When Wayne could no longer climb stairs they joined the Compass North Church.

He was preceded in death by parents, Carl and Pansy; first wife, Mary Anne; infant daughter, Jennifer Sue; son, John; brother, Jerry, sister, Loretta. He will be sadly missed by his best friend and beloved wife, Mary Rita; sons, Clifford, Mark (Marie), Jeremiah (Elizabeth); daughters, Brenda (Tim), Debbie (Jimmy); brother, Frank (Judy); step-children, Brian, Christine, Eric; 18 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; a large extended family and numerous friends.

Wayne was a gentle man who dearly loved our Lord and he never knew a stranger. He had a great sense of humor. Seeing him do his rendition of Hillbilly dancing in bib overalls and boots will always bring a smile to our faces. Playing cards with him was a scream of fun. All the children remember him doing the Donald Duck impersonation. Till we all meet again Wayne, till we all meet again.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, August 12, 2022 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, 131 N. Canton Rd. The funeral service will take place Saturday, August 13 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park. Those who wish may make memorial donations in Wayne's name to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.