Walton Earl Hayes, Sr.
Wally Hayes, husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, horseman, hunter and friend, passed into heaven on Monday, Dec. 6, at home in hospice care. Throughout his decline, he maintained his sense of humor, his “sweet” gruffness, a knowing twinkle in his eye, his mischievous grin, and the personality which made everyone just fall in love with him.
Wally’s full life began Dec. 19, 1926 in Butte, MT where he was born to Lawrence Earl and Ida Achton Hayes. He divided his early years between Butte and his father’s ranch in Miles City, MT until he moved with his mother and sisters, Anna Mae and Lorraine, to Billings in his early teens. In his high school years, Wally enlisted in the army and served with A company in the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division. During World War II, he saw action in the Pacific theatre and earned the Victory, the Asiatic-Pacific Service and the Army of Occupation Medals. In 2003, he was awarded his Honorary High School Diploma for personal sacrifice and devoted service to the United States. When they “rode the silk,” Wally was proud always to be “the last man to go out.”
After the war, Wally returned to Billings where he met Ellen Argo and began working with NorthWest Airlines as an airline mechanic and riding and racing with the Billings Motorcycle Club. Wally and Ellen were married July 16, 1949 in Columbus, MT. Together they continued their involvement with the Billings Motorcycle Club; started, owned and operated the King Koin Lauderettes, first in Laurel in 1961 and then in Billings; and raised their three children, Walton “Sonny” Jr., Desiree and Erica. Wally retired from NorthWest Airlines in 1989 after years of service as a union leader and the man who literally “could fix anything” yet also designed and built his own motorcycles and model airplanes. These talents extended beyond machinery and mechanics. His greatest quality was his willingness, his insistence on helping anyone and everyone; his primary concern was always for the “little guy,” for those who had less.
Wally, Dad, Supe, Papa, Grandpa, we love you and know that you are still with us, that you are in each of us. We’ll see you at Hardee’s soon for another cup of coffee and more stories!
Wally’s memory lives on in his wife Ellen; his children Walton “Sonny” Hayes, Jr., Desiree (and son-in-law Don) Smith and Erica (and son-in-law Doug) Anderson; his sister Lorraine Hummel; his seven grandchildren Tara, Erik (Mel) and Lance Hayes; Jared Smith; Lexi, Nick and Cassie Anderson; his two great-grandchildren Ryland and Ronan Hayes; and in all of those with whom he interacted. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Anna Mae Frink; his niece Theresa Lee Frink; and his daughter-in-law Lisbeth Hayes.
A vigil for Wally will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13, at Michelotti-Sawyers, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral Mass will be said at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14 at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral, 215 N. 31st Street, followed by a luncheon. Rite of Committal with military honors will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery immediately after the lunch.
Remembrances
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Ellen and
family, we wish to extend our most sincere condolences at this difficult
time. Even though we haven't seen you folks for a long time, we often
reminisce with my sisters, Betty and Ceil, about the years when our
cousin Wally lived close by. You and your family are in our thoughts.
With our deepest sympathy, Joe and Carole Achten