Robert Glenn Hayes, age 83, of Port Neches, Texas died peacefully Saturday, August 11, 2007 at his home following a long illness. Born September 29, 1923 in Beaumont, Texas he was the eighth and youngest child of Edward James and Salina Lucretia Clem Hayes. Glenn retired from Union Oil Company of California in Nederland, Texas in 1983 following thirty-five years of service.
Glenn served in the United States Army artillery in World War II; he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. All three of his sons are Vietnam Veterans, with service in the United States Army and or Navy.
His wife of sixty-one years, Floy Marie Tevis Hayes; parents; five brothers; and two sisters preceded him in death. Glenn liked to refer to himself as the last of the ten little Indians.
He is survived by his children, Cheryl Hayes of Dallas, James Hayes of Port Neches, Paul Hayes and his wife Connie of Port Neches, Patrick Hayes and his wife Susanne of Carrollton and Kathleen Jander of Port Neches; eight grandchildren, Pamela McManus of Dallas, David McManus and his wife of Marlo of Wylie, Eric Hayes and his wife Trina of Dayton, Jeremy Hayes and his wife Betsy of The Woodlands, Laura Hayes of Austin, Christopher Hayes and his wife Jennifer of Allen, Ray Tidwell and his wife Lisa of Lumberton, and Joseph Tidwell and his wife Anna of Norfolk, Virginia; nine great grandchildren; and many other loving family members.
Glenn was also very proud of the family members who are currently on active duty in the military; BMC Joseph Tidwell, USN; great grandson, PFC Rickey McDoulett, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, California; Jeremy Hayes and Anna Tidwell have recently completed their service in the Air Force and Navy, respectively.
Glenn grew up in Beaumont and graduated from Beaumont High School. He was a prolific storyteller and has left us the gift of his writings about the early days of the city. His words have painted a picture that we will treasure always. He wrote about riding his bicycle around Beaumont delivering his paper route, and about the streetcars in front of their house. He was full of life and a deeply caring person. He took every opportunity to go fishing with his children and grandchildren. Glenn took on the role of caretaker for our mother, Floy Marie, during her long battle with Alzheimer’s, and no one could have been more compassionate. He loved his family and wanted them to feel only joy at his passing into the life that he, in his own words, had been born for.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will begin 6:00 p.m. with a Christian Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 13, 2007 at the Mortuary.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the angels at Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont. These beautiful people made his last days comfortable and dignified, and showed great compassion to the family, and we are eternally grateful.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 5144, Beaumont, Texas 77726 or Alzheimer’s Association, 440 North 18th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
