Don was preceded in death by his brother John, his sister Mary, and his parents Esther and Homer Hayes. He is survived by his loving wife Terry, of 36 years, and his three children Ashley, Jake, and Travis, his two granddaughters Charlie and Hallie and his two great grandchildren Vivian and Auggie.

Don was born March 10,1951 to Esther and Homer Hayes. He grew up in the Overland and University City area of St. Louis before enlisting in the Marines during the Vietnam war at the age of 17. He served several terms during the war before being discharged. Donald spent time in California, Hawaii, and other places before and during his time in the military before ultimately returning to St. Louis. He worked various jobs at the Bodine Aluminum foundry before leaving in 2002 as a foreman and retired soon after.

On June 1, 1985, Don married Terry, a softball teammate who once was warned to use her softball bat to keep him away. On May 5, 1973, May 28th, 1986, and May 24th, 1991, he welcomed a daughter and two boys into the world. Terry and the children were the most important part of his life.

Don was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed fishing, looking at and working on classic cars and loved to tell a story. The world is lesser with him gone and he will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to either St. Jude or Stray rescue of St. Louis.