Chester "Chet" Hayes

Chester “Chet” Leroy Hayes was born September 9, 1936, and died on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Logan County Hospital, in Oakley, Kansas at the age of 87.

Chet was born to parents Clarence Albert “Jack” and Virda (Latimer) Hayes and raised on the family farm north of Rexford, Kansas. He was delivered by his mother's sister who named him Delmar Dean. Virda didn't agree so his name was later changed on the birth certificate to Chester Leroy. Chet was the third of five children; two older sisters and a younger brother and sister completed the family.

Chet attended Decatur County schools in Oberlin. While not graduating at that time he remained close to class members over the years. He obtained his GED in the mid 90's to complete his education.

Chet and Nina Sidles were married on August 11, 1957, in Grinnell, Kansas. Four daughters were born to this union, Betty, Becky, Brenda, and Bonnie. In 1964 Chet and Nina moved to the Sidles homestead west of Grinnell and built a new home in 1973. The family assisted the Tholen Brothers (Al, Les & Lawrence) with much sanding, staining, and painting.

After high school Chet was employed by Kump Motor Company in Oberlin, worked in the oil fields near Great Bend and worked as a welder as an employee and owner. Chet and Nina owned and operated C & L Welding in Oakley for many years. You would often find Nina and the girls straightening many joints of irrigation pipe. Chet could fix anything and had a knack for building many items from start to finish. Chet participated in Stock car racing before the girls came along. Much family time was spent farming, moving irrigation pipe, swathing, baling, hauling bales and working with various types of livestock over the years. The grandkids have fond memories of trips to the Ranch and having Grandpa sing a special tune or two along the way. The annual peach run to Palisade, Colorado was a successful event for many years. Many loads of peaches, pears and plums were brought back to Kansas for all to enjoy! There is nothing better than a freshly picked peach!

Over the years many memories were made, and parties were had. Chet was a loyal blood donor to the American Red Cross giving over 126 units throughout his lifetime. Chet always enjoyed attending auctions to visit with friends and to buy the infamous dollar box or two. He was a collector of many things but didn't mind parting with some as well. Someday the family will find out how much really is stored away!

Chet was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Virda Hayes; father and mother-in-law Charles A. and Ruth L. (Moss) Sidles; sisters, Berneda and husbands Elgin Barnett and Ray Zoberst, Luella and husband, Murlin Krizek; brother Richard “Rich” and wife, Janice Hayes; sisters in law, Beula and husband John Bloom, Lyla and husband Floyd “Jack” Younkin and Linda Schwarz; son in law Keith “Skip” Petersen; niece Barb Farmer and nephews, Steve Krizek, Ron Barnett, and Mike Bloom.

Survivors include wife, Nina, of the home; daughters, Betty Petersen, St. Francis, Becky and husband Dick Dempewolf, of Colby, Brenda Hayes of Topeka and Bonnie and husband Rick Stramel of Oakley; 11 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Sue Hayes, Colby; brother-in-law Bill Schwarz, Oakley, and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

The family would like to thank the Staff of Gove County Long Term Care for the care and compassion given and the friendships that were made while Dad was a resident in Quinter. Several close relationships were made. The visits by staff and friends during the past several months were greatly appreciated. Dad always enjoyed the visits with Steve and Janet Kaiser throughout his hospitalizations and nursing home stays. Their friendship will not be forgotten. The past few months were spent at Logan County Senior Living where Dad was able to reside a little closer to home. Thank you to those who provided the little extras throughout that time. A special Thank You to Dr. Celeste Rains and the Staff at Logan County Hospital who provided care and comfort throughout Dad's final days. Thank you all for your dedication and compassion, your efforts did not go unnoticed.

The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. Memorial Service 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with burial at the Grinnell Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Logan County Hospital or Grinnell Angelus Heritage Center and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com