David Dean Hayes

February 23, 1955 -January 1, 2024

   David Dean Hayes, 68 years, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on January 1, 2024 in Omaha, NE. He was born February 23, 1955, to Harold Hayes and Alice (Moeller) at McConnell AFB in Wichita, KS. David was raised by his loving parents, Harold and Mary Jane Hayes in Decatur, NE where he was always proud to call home.

   Shortly after graduating from Decatur High School in 1973, David began work full time with his father, brother, and uncle Joe Walter operating heaving machinery for the next 20 plus years. During this time, David also worked with various members of the Decatur and surrounding communities including periods of service with the Decatur Volunteer Fire and Rescue, as a member of the Rural Fire Board, Village of Decatur board, and serving as Mayor. In 1980, David started to prepare for a solo bike trip from Decatur to New York City. During the year of preparations, he met his future wife of 42 years, Debra Jean (Tranmer) Hayes. The successful month-long bike ride resulted in a lifetime of memories as well as a roadside marriage proposal. After safely returning to Decatur, David and Debra began their family on December 26, 1981. David and Debra would grow their family with 3 children: Adam, Kathleen, and Daniel. In 1993, David switched professional gears to begin his long-respected career as a dialysis technician. David and Debra moved to Omaha, NE in 2012 to be closer to their grandchildren. David retired in 2018 to focus on his health and family.

   David is survived by his wife, Debra; children: Adam (Mary Ann) Tranmer of Ponca, Kathleen (Carley Staebell) Hayes of Omaha, Daniel (Amy) Hayes of Omaha; 9 grandchildren: Brooke, Rocky, Tatum, Oliver, MeLe, Mason, Jersey, Merritt, Campbell; siblings: Patty (Randy) Olson, Harold Dean Hayes, Scott (Tammy) Shed, Donna Bradely, Dwane Shed and dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Micheal Caldwell; mother, Alice Moeller; father, Harold Hayes; mother, Mary Jane Hayes.

David had many passions in life but none more important than his family.

(Information taken from 25th Alumni Booklet May 1994.  Please send an e-mail to update information at any time.)

Spouse:  Debra   Married:  December 26, 1981

Children:  Adam, Kathleen and Daniel

     I did construction work with my Uncle, Joe Walter, then with my father, Harold Hayes, 1973-1993.  Dialysis Technician on the Omaha Indian Reservation in Macy, NE 1993 to present.  Decatur Volunteer Fire Department 1988-present.  Decatur Rescue Squad 1990-1996.

Updated: 4/6/09