Dwight Hayes, 97
Dwight Hayes, 97, passed away on October 22, 2022. He was born on March 21, 1925 in Cortland, OH. The son of Carl and Theresa (Huffman) Hayes. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and his wife Maxine, to whom he had been married 67 years.
Dwight was a minister of The United Methodist Church, ordained in 1943. As a pastor, he served congregations in Alliance, Cincinnati (Westwood), Arcadia, North Ridgeville (Fields), Newton Falls, Wellington, Dalton, East Conneaut, and Wooster. In each small town he would find the local coffee shop as he enjoyed spending time connecting with each community. He has helped, supported, and been on the board of several charitable organizations including Meals Together and Habitat for Humanity. In Wellington he formed HELP, Inc.
Surviving are his three children John (Sue) Hayes of Macedonia, David Hayes of Wooster, Susan (Mike) Adams of Medina; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and Deb Monaghan, who has been like a daughter.
A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10:00am on Monday, November 7, 2022 at St. James Episcopal Church, Church North Market Street in Wooster Ohio where his family and friends will rejoice that Dwight has entered Heaven and found God’s peace.
Dear Family of Dwight Hayes,
I never met your father, grandfather, great grandfather, and pastor. I live in Colorado and last week bought a used book titled “A Testament of Devotion” by Thomas Kelly, which I think may have come from Pastor Hayes’ library. Inside the front cover is a label reading “from the library of Pastor Dwight Hayes” and the signature “Dwight & Maxine Hayes” appears in both script and printing. I was curious about the owner of the book, and when I searched online I found this obituary and the mention of his memorial service this very day. I read a chapter of the book today, and was greatly moved by it, and wondered at what kind of saint Dwight was, the book’s owner. I am praying for God’s comfort for your family today and in the coming weeks!
The last paragraph of this book reads:
Life from the Center is a life of unhurried peace and power. It is simple. It is serene. It is amazing. It is triumphant. It is radiant. It takes no time, but it occupies all our time. And it makes our life programs new and overcoming. We need not get frantic. He is at the helm. And when our little day is done we lie down quietly in peace, for all is well.
I imagine that is the sort of person Dwight was and I pray that you will know all is well too. If anyone in the family wants this little volume back, I will be glad to send it. Otherwise I’ll will honor Pastor Hayes by reading it and taking it to heart.
In Him,
Terri Moon