William C. Hayes – January 3, 2024

William C. Hayes, better known as Buck, was born and raised in Globe, Arizona on November 30, 1932.  He retired from the Air Force in Colorado Springs where he lived out his life.  Buck passed away on January 3, 2024, at the age of 91.

Buck was born November 30, 1932, to Jesse Hayes and Vivian Green.  He was the second oldest of the Four “B’s”, Betsy, Buck, Barbara, and Burton.  After graduating high school in Globe, Arizona, he joined the Air Force ROTC at Arizona State College and became the Student Body President. After graduating college, Buck made a career in the Air Force with NORAD Intelligence. While in the Air Force, he traveled the world visiting places like Vietnam, Japan, Germany, and all over the United States. On his journey, he was blessed with two children: Linda, born in Japan, and Randall, who barely made it state side before making his debut.  Buck earned a master’s in business from George Washington University in Montgomery, Alabama. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service and started investing in real estate and land. 

Buck Hayes loved being outdoors.  Buck was the ultimate hunter, fisher, and camping buddy.  He loved his children and his grandchildren, and he took pride in helping others learn to fish and hunt. Buck had a strong love for ice cream, which was a common interest he shared with his grandchildren and many others.  On any given day, Buck could be found drinking coffee and eating ice cream while discussing his latest hunting stories.

Buck is predeceased by his wife, Gundula Hayes; his son, Randall Hayes; his parents: Jesse Hayes and Vivian Green; and his sister, Betsy Manning.  He is survived by his daughter, Linda Keyes; his daughter-in-law, Gina Hayes; his four grandchildren: TJ, Tricia, Jessica, and William; and his 5 great grandchildren: Justin (19), Casey (18), Lexi (10), SJ (8), and Aria (1 month).

Services will be held at a Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910 on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 1:30pm. We will complete the ceremony with Military Honors at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 at 2:30pm.  There will be a reception at Jose Muldoon’s, 5710 South Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you go fishing.