Melvin B. Hayes

Funeral services for Melvin Bruce Hayes, 75, of Junction City will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street with Pastor Jim Bond officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Riley Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 6p.m.-8p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel. Memorial contributions have been designated to the Elk's Lodge, 723 S. Washington, Junction City, KS 66441 and/or the American Legion, Post 45, 201 E. 4th, Junction City, KS 66441.

Melvin was born February 6, 1937, Webb City, MO to William Fred and Maggie (Ussery) Hayes.

Melvin served in the U S Army for more than 20 years, retiring as SFC. He completed a tour in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was the platoon leader, commanding a group of tanks and the crew. He received the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Star Medal w/1 OLC, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Republic Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm and the Sharpshooter (M-16 Rifle).

Melvin is described as a natural born leader, a very knowledgeable person and a true friend, someone who could build anything or solve any problem. Melvin loved to fish, garden and entertain. He was a very kind and very generous person and genuinely funny.

He is survived by one daughter, Jeanne Hayes of Leawood, KS, ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, two nephews and one niece and many close friends some of whom he knew his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose Ellen Hayes, three daughters; Leah Ellen Hayes, Deborah Ann Graham and Margaret Mae Hayes.