Harold Blane Hayes

Harold Blane Hayes, MSgt USAF, 89, passed away on May 2, 2024 at his home, surrounded by family and friends.  He was the youngest of four children of the late Dean and Georgia (Neal) Hayes of Bidwell.  He graduated from Bidwell-Porter High School (Class of ’52) and was a member of the varsity basketball team.

Harold was a Vietnam veteran who visited or served in 34 countries and U. S. possessions in Asia, Europe, and Africa.  While stationed in West Germany with his wife, Frances, and two sons, David and Chris, they enjoyed camping and visiting various nations throughout Western Europe from Spain to France to Italy, the beautiful alpine countries of Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and north to Denmark and Sweden, then on to the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, plus East and West Berlin.

While serving his last assignment at George Air Force Base (GAFB) in Victorville, California, he retired after 22 years of service.  Shortly after Harold’s military retirement, he began working as an electrician for the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad in Barstow, California.  He retired from BNSF in 1998 after 18 years of service.

After retiring from BNSF and returning to Gallipolis, Harold built his own house and continued his travels with his wife, Frances.  They ventured by airplane, ship, or automobile.  He especially enjoyed the many trips with Frances on their motorcycle, a Honda Goldwing.  They are proud to have visited all 50 states.

Harold earned an Associate of Arts degree from Victor Valley College in Victorville, California.  He also attended Chapman University at the Residence Education Center while at GAFB.  Harold and his wife, Frances, contributed many years to the Bidwell United Methodist Church where they both attended as children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Paul (Loretta) Hayes; two sisters, Phyllis (Bart) Caldwell and Esther (Red) Thompson; and by the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Frances (McBride) Hayes.  He is survived by two sons, David M. Hayes of Gallipolis and Chris (Corrine) Hayes of Apple Valley, California; two grandsons, Joshua (Renee) Hayes of Chandler, Arizona and Dylan Hayes of Gallipolis; and 26 nieces and nephews.

Harold was a generous supporter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and The Shriners Hospitals for Children.  He lived, as he would say, “A helluva life”- one centered around honesty, integrity, and love of family.

A Military Graveside Service will be held at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. on Friday at Willis Funeral Home.  After the visitation, friends and family will go in procession to Fairview Cemetery where military rites will be provided by the Gallia County Funeral Detail and Wright-Patterson Air Force Honor Guard.