Mr. Henry Bernard Hayes

Henry Bernard Hayes was born July 27, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri to Brunell Hayes and Veola (Miller) Hayes. He was the first born and eldest child of 7 children. Henry was preceded in death by his father, Brunell, and one daughter Dacia. 

Bernard (as his wife affectionately called him) was educated in the East St. Louis School District 189. At age 16, Bernard went to Gary, IN where he completed his junior and senior years and graduated from Emerson High School in 1969.

Bernard accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord Savior in 1971 and attended Church of God in Christ Church under the leadership of Elder Clark. He later joined the Ark of Safety Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Raymond D. Horry.

Bernard worked in the Steel Mill in Gary, Indiana. Bernard always had a passion for carpentry and architecture, which lead him to attend Carpentry School where he received his degree from the Carpenter’s District Council as a journeyman carpenter. He worked for several construction companies as well as operated his own construction company (HBH), rehabbing & building homes.  Bernard also worked as a soda truck driver for 7-Up Company. Bernard was a diligent worker who was a jack of all trades.  Bernard was united in holy matrimony on January 1, 1987 to Mona Lisa Smith.  To this union 2 children were born (Monica & Lil Bernard).  

Bernard was a happy go lucky kind of man and he lived life to the fullest. Bernard was kind of a jokester and he could make you laugh so hard until tears would come to your eyes. Bernard loved to skate, BBQ, travel and spend time with his family.  Bernard was a sharp & stylish dresser and was very meticulous about how his clothes looked on him. Bernard knew know stranger, he would talk to everybody. Bernard was loved by so many and he just had this kind of charisma that attracted people to him no matter where he was at.  Bernard later became ill which led to his retirement.  Bernard never lost his faith in God.  On September 28, 2020 at 6:15 am, Bernard closed his eyes and peacefully transitioned to glory to see our Heavenly Father.

Cherishing His Memories and Works 

Bernard leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his loving & devoted wife, Mona Lisa, his mother, Veola Hayes, three brothers, Larry (Cheryl) Hayes of Aurora CO, Darrin (Felicia) Hayes of Arlington, TX, & Greg Hayes of E St. Louis, IL. Three sisters, Gwendolyn Wilkes of St. Louis, MO, Bonita Renee (George) Dortch of E. St. Louis, IL & Patricia Hayes of Florissant, MO, Nine children, Derrick, Trecie, Darwin, Melinda, Lena, Christiana, Ralonda,, Monica & Bernard. Two bonus children Corey Smith & Kimyatta Brent; 17 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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