Claude Hayes Sr.

Claude Hayes, 83 of Buhl passed away Friday July 20, 2012 at his home. He was born July 11, 1929 to Claude Carrol & LaRease Ordway Hayes in Modesto, California. He grew up farming and milking cows by hand.
A mutual friend introduced him to Una "Faye" Moody. When he saw her sitting on the front porch, he said "I'm going to marry that girl". They were married October 14, 1949, to this union they had 4 children; Marsha Sue, Larry, Kevin and Chris. Claude & Faye enjoyed 55 years together, dancing, water skiing, golfing, frequent trips to Jackpot, Nevada, and even a cruise to Alaska. Claude was a very devoted husband and father, always making sure his family and friends were taken care of.
Early in life Claude served our country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the National Guard as well as serving in the Army Reserve. He worked at the ship yards of San Diego, before going to work for Dunphy Construction where he worked up to a Superintendant. In 1974, Claude retired from Dunphy to move to Buhl with son Larry to build Hayes Construction. He and Larry ran the company along with Kevin and Chris until his "retirement" in July 1999. Claude being a very active man could not take retirement long and took the position of building inspector for the City of Buhl only 6 months later.
Claude was an active volunteer including: Boy Scout leader, C.O.P., President of the Buhl Chamber of Commerce, he served on the Cemetery and Senior Citizen's board. He was active in many projects including hanging Christmas lights and Sagebrush Day's for the 4th of July. He and long time friend Leonard Sheets also helped remodel the current Chamber building & visitor center. He also volunteered for many community projects.

After Faye passed away in 2005, Claude found companionship with long time friend, Sharon Sheets. This friendship grew and on July 8, 2006 they were married. Claude and Sharon continued working at the City of Buhl, until they decided to retire together in 2009. Claude & Sharon made many trips of their own to Jackpot and Wendover, Nevada, as well as a cruise to Baja Mexico.
Claude is survived by wife Sharon, sons Larry (Susan), Kevin, Chris (Pamela) and Bill (Sue) Sawers all of Buhl. Sharon's daughters Sherri Dawn (Tris) Moore, Charlise (Jeff) Bracken and Hollie Robinson. 5 grand children, Ryan (Sha) Sawers, Carie (Brandon) Higley, Heather Hayes, Beau Hayes and Paige Hayes. 7 great grand children as well as Sharon's 9 grand children and 4 great grand children. Sister Sally Phillips, nieces Kathy (Jim) Rietkirt and Debbie (Ron) Friese all of California and Sharon's sister Barbara (Mike) Kauffman and brother Virgil Wayne Decker, and many extended families. Claude was preceded in death by both parents, daughter Marsha Sue Bradshaw and wife Faye Hayes.
A graveside service is planned for 10:00 am, Friday July 27th at the West End Cemetery, Buhl. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be given to the Buhl Quick Response or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.