Elmer E. Hayes,

Elmer Edgefield Hayes, Jr. was born March 4, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of the late Elmer E. and Jessie Hayes, Sr. Unto this union, sisters Dolores and Gloria were born before his mother's untimely death at an early age. After Elmer Sr. married Beatrice Johnson in 1931, three additional siblings, brothers Allan, Conrad and Kenneth were born. As a young man Elmer was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from East Technical High School, Elmer joined the US Army. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Fenn College and Great Lakes College. In 1949 Elmer married his childhood sweetheart, Christine Morrow. Unto this union, three children were born. Elmer was employed by the United States Postal Service from where he retired in 1985 after more than 30 years. Not wanting to be idle during retirement, Elmer subsequently worked as a skycap at Hopkins Airport, where he enjoyed his time "on the curb" sometimes meeting famous people. Rarely called Elmer by family and friends, he usually answered to "Doomie" (his sister Dolores' mispronunciation of the name Elmer as a child), "Edge" and "Babe." Elmer enjoyed listening to operatic music and was especially fond of the Three Tenors. He also liked driving and would often take his young family out for weekend spins. His passion, however, was handicapping thoroughbred horse races and enjoying the company of his track buddies. Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband and father and was beloved in return. After battling two serious illnesses for more than 10 years leading to stays in both Villa St. Joseph and The Avenue nursing facilities within the last year, Elmer valiantly yet ultimately succumbed on the morning of Sunday, September 11, 2011. Elmer was preceded in death by his sister Dolores Raby, brother, Conrad Hayes and grandson, Khalid Hayes. In addition to his loving wife, Christine, Elmer leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory his children, Gregory D. Hayes Bey, Sr. (Ann Rudolph), Darryl R. Hayes (Iris), Carla Hayes Tillman (William); grandchildren Munira Hayes, Malika Hayes, Gregory Hayes Bey, Jr., Brandon Hart, Armand Hayes, Austin Hayes and Allison Tillman; five great grandchildren; siblings Gloria White, Allan Hayes (Gloria) and Kenneth Hayes; brother-in-law Alphonso Morrow, Jr. and sisters-in-law Geneva Morrow and Marion Grier, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Elmer E. Hayes,

March 4, 1926 - September 11, 2011