Mr. Ernest Hayes Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ernest Lee Hayes (Ernie), age 94, passed away Friday, January 21, 2022, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois. He was born October 7, 1927 in Sturgeon, Missouri to Mike and Finnie Hayes. He grew up in Sturgeon and Mexico, Missouri with two younger siblings, Alonzo (Lonnie) and Nora Pauline. He hung out mostly with his first cousin Ross Hayes. Together, they shared many adventures. Ernie retired from Peoria Public Schools where he worked last as a custodian at Trewyn School for many years. Prior to that, he worked at the former Brown’s Sporting Goods and Honda World establishments. Ernie helped to set up the Peoria Honda World store when it first opened. He received specialized training from its world-wide headquarters. Ernie was a military veteran having served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Augsburg, Germany for several years where he worked as Military Police (MP). Ernie was extremely proud to have represented his country in the U.S. Military. Ernie was well known throughout Illinois and Missouri cities as a mean motorcycle machine, some referring to him as “Turbo Man”. He loved racing motorcycles and working on them. He was an excellent mechanic and an excellent driver even in his upper age. Ernie continued to drive until becoming ill two weeks before his death. Ernie’s recent hobbies included cutting his grass with his riding mower, watching NBA basketball games (especially those coached by his grandson Tyronn Lue), and sitting on his porch watching everything happening outside. He was a great storyteller and told many amazing stories. He loved his family immensely. Ernie leaves to cherish his memory, his ten children, Dianne Clark, Nora Crofford, Michael Rummans, Kim Lue, Lorenzo Rummans, Aaron Rummans, Lori Rummans, Regina Trice, Torlen Rummans, and Etta (Ruthie) Carter; one sister, Nora Pauline Bryant, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. For the past 50 years, Ernie shared his life with his soul mate, Charlotte, who passed away just eight months ago. He is also preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Alonzo (Lonnie) Hayes, one son, Tony Rummans, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Ernie’s niece, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali, helped to assist him with his business and personal matters in his later years. His neighbor, Carrie Erving, was always there to help Ernie and Charlotte in various ways. Ernie remained abundantly independent. Ernie had an unforgettable smile and personality. He was well loved, and he was quite the charmer! A Memorial Service will be held to honor Ernie on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at T.W. Parks Colonial Chapels, 201 N. MacArthur Hwy. in Peoria. Military Honors will be bestowed. His remains will be laid in a vault at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Online condolences and acknowledgements can be made to twparkschapel.com. Due to COVID-19 mandates both masks and social distancing are mandated.

Mr. Ernest Hayes

October 7, 1927 - January 21, 2022