Louis A. Hayes, 90, Centralia, died Jan. 12, 2012, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.
He was born June 6, 1921, in Linn, the son of Floyd Hayes and Ethel Atwood Hayes. He attended Linn High School and graduated in 1939.
He continued his education at Washburn University studying pre-medicine. While studying at Washburn he worked at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Topeka. While working there he began his interest in funeral service.
Following Washburn Louis entered the service for four years. He served in the Ascension Islands during World War II.
Upon his discharge, he enrolled in the St. Louis School of Embalming in St. Louis, Mo., and later purchased the funeral home in Centralia in 1948. He also opened a jewelry store and later a furniture store in Centralia all the while operating the funeral home until he sold the business to Roger Popkess in 1986.
He met Jeanne Virginia Bell in Linn and they were married April 5, 1943. She preceded him in death April 25, 2011.
He was a former city council member, president of the Lions Club, a member of the Centralia Booster Club, NeMar Shrine, the Arab Shrine of Topeka, and Armstrong Moyer American Legion Post of Centralia.
He attended the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Centralia.
He is survived by his three sons, Mike Hayes, Oskaloosa, Jim Hayes, Topeka, and Dr. Kris Hayes, Moab Utah; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Funeral services were Jan.16 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Centralia. Burial was in the Centralia Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church and can be sent in care of the Hayes-Popkess Funeral Home, 814 Castle, Seneca, 66538.
from JeffCountynews.com http://www.jeffcountynews.com/2012/01/louis-hayes/
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