Vernon Merle Hayes

Vernon Merle Hayes, 76, of Congress passed away Feb. 2, 2021. Vernon was born October 21, 1944, in Prescott to Loise Pauline (Cozby) Hayes. He spent his early years in Mayer, Parker, Bouse and Salome before the family moved to Wickenburg.

Vernon attended school in Wickenburg until 10th grade when he had to quit to help his parents run the mail route after his dad had a heart attack and couldn’t work anymore. Vernon finished school later and got his diploma.

In 1967 he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He served two years in the Army and returned to Wickenburg in 1970. In 1971 he married Nancy Keelan. He worked for Local Union 769 out of Phoenix that helped build power lines in Wyoming. In 1977 Vernon got a job with the copper mine in Bagdad, and worked there for 30 years.

Vernon loved his family. He loved hunting, camping and taking Jeep rides out in the desert. He is survived by his son, Clint Hayes, and grandsons Levi, Tanner, and Justin; and by his daughter Tracy Tess, her husband Joe and his grandchildren Kaitlyn, Annabelle and Benjamin Tess; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother and seven sisters. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Legion in Wickenburg.

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