Jerry Dale “J.D.” Hayes
Jerry Dale “J.D.” Hayes, of Marlow, was born May 5, 1936, in Duncan to Thomas William and Edna Eilene (Wallace) Hayes. He passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the age of 85, in Duncan.
A graveside service was held Friday, October 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Duncan Municipal Cemetery under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.
It can be said J.D. lived a full life. He was an active member of the Duncan FFA before graduating as a member of the Duncan High School Class of 1954. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy from August 1955 through July 1959. During his service to our country, he married the love of his life, Lela Marie Dewey, on November 9, 1956. They had two sons, Kelly and Kent. He spent the entirety of his career working for Halliburton in Duncan and Davis, and with FreightMaster in Fort Worth. He retired in 1991 after 37 years of service with the company and moved from Sulphur to Marlow. He was a Master Mason and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, all thanks to hard work and a nudge from his brother, Ira. J.D. enjoyed fishing, square dancing, wood carving, reading Louis L’Amour westerns, and loved to watch Dallas Cowboys football, win or lose. He had an incredible sense of humor, could make Lela laugh and blush. J.D. loved to travel, taking cruises and wintering in South Texas. He was a member of the Bray Missionary Baptist Church where his quiet, yet strong Christian faith, was witnessed by many.
J.D. is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Lela; sons, Kelly and wife, Missie Hayes of Rogers, Arkansas, Kent and wife, Whitney Jezek of Jacksonville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Joshua and wife, Amber Hayes, Paxton Hayes, Cutter Hayes; great granddaughter, Alexa Hayes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Ira, LeRoy, Everett, Paul Hayes; and sisters: Hazel Dudley, Oma Ellis, and Pauletta Adkins.
Memorial donations can be made in J.D.’s name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or online at gift.OMRF.org
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.