Noel Eugene Hayes

November 1, 1935 - April 10, 2025

Noel Eugene Hayes, age 89, of DeKalb, Illinois passed away peacefully on April 10th at DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, surrounded by his loving family. He now rejoins his beloved wife, Eula, in Heaven, after celebrating 70 wonderful years of marriage.

He was born on November 1, 1935, in Ramsey, Illinois and in 1957, married his high school sweetheart, Eula Mae, whose love story began in their teens and spanned over 7 decades. They made their home in DeKalb where they raised their family and built a life full of memories.

In his younger years, Noel was a talented basketball player, playing the game he loved throughout the 1950's. That passion remained with him for life – he was an avid fan, who rarely missed a game, watching basketball daily and enjoying every minute. He was always present at his grandkids and great-grandkids sporting games, ending with a big hug and 10 dollar bill.

Professionally, Noel spent 32 years in the car business, working at Fourth Street Motors, where he was known for his integrity and hardworking nature. He later went on to work for the Illinois Tollway, where he dedicated many years of service before retiring. Outside of work, Noel and Eula shared a love for traveling in their camper, across the country, seeing 48 of the 50 states. Some of their favorite memories were camping with grandkids and visiting great-grandkids at the campgrounds. Those times were filled with stories, card games, and fudge and banana popsicles. His home was always a welcoming place for his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. If you left your car in the driveway, he would always have it detailed by the end of the day.

Noel is survived by his sons Randy (Christy) Hayes of DeKalb, and Ricky (Nút) Hayes of DeKalb/Thailand. His grandchildren Cassie (Joe) Underwood of Roscoe, IL, Kelsey (Ben) Vogeney of Sycamore, IL, and Carlie Hayes of Alexandria, VA. His great grandchildren Hailey, Austin, Bentley (Underwood), Kinley, Dawsyn, Tucker, Briggs (Vogeney), and Tea and Lee (Hayes-Soraknit). He is also survived by one sister Loretta Weber of Shelbyville, IL and brother in law Torney (Patty) Carter of Vandalia, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents Orville (Rose) Hayes of Ramsey, IL, brother Ralph (Melba) Hayes of Oconee, IL, sisters Mildred (Junior) Bartlett of Ramsey, IL, Evelyn (Paul) Hanneken of Mt. Zion, IL and Dorothy Ann Hayes of Ramsey, IL, and his wife Eula Hayes.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, deep love for his family, his love of the game, and his quiet strength he carried through ever chapter of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Faith Baptist Church of DeKalb.

A family graveside service will take place on Saturday, April 26th at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. Cremation rites and arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.