Harry Julian Hayes, Jr.

Harry Julian Hayes, Jr. was born April 30, 1940 in Havre, MT to Harry Julian & Mary Elizabeth (Wagemaker) Hayes, Sr. and passed from this life on May 5, 2016 at the age of 76.

Harry was born and raised in a small town named Havre, MT. He joined the United States Army in 1958 and spent over 10 years as a cook. In that time he had 2 one-year tours in South Korea, 2 ½ years in Germany and 1 year in a combat unit in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in October 1968 and became a civilian taking in work as a janitor and a taxi driver among the many tasks he was employed with. He married a widow named Joan Wilson on July 2, 1980 and enjoyed a readymade family of 5 children ranging in ages from 10 to 17. After marrying Joan he joined the Montana National Guard and upon his calling to Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, OK he transferred to the Oklahoma National Guard and began a spiritual pursuit that would fill his days. His first drill with the Oklahoma National Guard was in British Honduras (now Belise) and in his second year at Rhema he was activated again and sent to Desert Storm. He retired from the United States Army in 1992 with over 21 years invested in our country’s security. He graduated from Rhema Bible College that same year. He was involved in a ministry team teaching Substance Abuse Education, ministering in praise and worship, and preaching the Word of God in the prison system. He was also involved with the Genesis One project. Ministry to various prisons he gave significantly to Eddie Warrior and Jess Dunn Correctional Centers in Taft, OK for 14 years. He taught the Foundations Class at Victory Christian Center for 8 years, and worked as an altar minister. He met Chris Walsh at a meeting of business men who pooled their resources and talents to minister. He accompanied Lt. Col. Larry Henderson & Chris Walsh and family to Juarez, Mexico on a Daniel King Ministries Crusade. He was passionate about bringing reconciliation between the United States and the Native American Tribes.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 30 years, Joan Louise (Wilson) Hayes; and his stepsons, Doug Eugene Wilson and James Russ Wilson. He is survived by his stepdaughters, Dorijean Louise Wilson, Theressa Wilborn and her husband Rodney; his stepson, Wayne Randy Wilson; his sister, Sharon Baird; and 3 grandchildren, Rhechel, Benjamin & Petra.

Harry will lie in state 10-8 pm Monday at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home, 3841 S. Peoria, Tulsa, OK. A funeral will be held 10:00 am Tuesday, River of Life Assembly of God, 206 W. Commercial Street, Inola, OK. He will be laid to rest with full military honors provided by Fort Sill at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, OK.