William J. ‘Bill’ Hayes Sr. of Downingtown

William J. “Bill” Hayes Sr., 86, of Downingtown, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Pocopson Home in West Chester. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley Ann Schultz Hayes, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage with before her passing in 1973

Bill was born in Downingtown, he was the son of the late Charles D. and Leona F. Sternberger Hayes.

Bill graduated from Downingtown High School in 1951.

Before his retirement, Bill worked as a welder for Wyeth Labs in West Chester for 25 years.

Lifelong resident of Downingtown, Bill was an avid sports fan and loved farming. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and being outdoors.

Mr. Hayes is survived by four children, Katurah H. (James) Sotzin of Reading, William J. (Kerrie) Hayes Jr. of York, Krista L. Hayes of Downingtown, and John W. Hayes of Downingtown, siblings, C. Daniel “Pete” Hayes of Exton and Betty L. Hayes- Dooley of Marshalton and two granddaughters, Codie and Katie Hayes. In Addition to his parents and wife, Bill is predeceased by a brother, Lee A. Hayes.

A private family burial took place on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Forks of the Brandywine Cemetery in Glenmoore.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Pocopson Home – 1 Jones Activities, 1695 Lenape Road, West Chester, PA 19382 or American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 500370839, www.redcross.org.