Grandpa Wade Hayes 1915-2015

My Grandpa Hayes is one of a kind.  I've never met or heard about someone like him.  He lived through so many decades, overcame difficult trials, had an unequaled thirst for knowledge and ability to recall and recite, had a well-known presentation of the Total Man, was a performer/entertainer (tap dancer), stomached some of the most unappealing foods in the name of nutrition, was incredibly resourceful and handy, always had a thought for the day, and was a patriarch to our family as well as many others.  I admired the way in which he loved my grandma as well.  He would always say how she never nagged him and always expressed his love for her.  His life motto was to "Seek, accept, and apply ALL truth, wherever it is found.. whether on Christian or heathen ground."  I think that's an adapted quote from Orson Whitney.  We were on our way to planning Grandpa's 100th birthday party on May 5th, but he left this life to celebrate with his sweet wife and 3 children who passed on before him - Christine, Spencer, and Sarah.  I know I said it after Grandma Hayes passed away, but I again cannot imagine how joyful the reunion was between those family members.  I'm just so grateful for my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.  It truly allowed the family to be joyful, in a way, at his funeral as we celebrated his amazing life and influence.  I hope more than anything that I can continue in the legacy my grandparents left me.

This was a sweet moment the day after we got down to Beaumont.  Grayson wouldn't stop hugging Grandpa's leg before he had to leave for the funeral home that day.  Our boy is such a lover.

Matt and my dad both spoke at the funeral, and I was so proud of them.  They were both able to deliver a clear, concise message that was inspired and centered on what Grandpa loved and lived most - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Here are all of the grandsons (except Dan).

Here are all of the grandkids, except Dan, again.

Then we added Uncle Bernie, Aunt Rachel, and my dad.

Here are all of the great grandchildren who could make it.

Grayson really wanted to be the star of the show.  This is him doing his 'cry so hard he closes his eyes then decides to keep walking with his hands out' pose.  It never ends well.  Poor guy was exhausted.

Now as my dad goes through Grandpa's immense libraries, I think it's fair to say he lived what he believed.  He has a house full of books and a trailer full of handwritten research in notebooks and books on every topic.  Grandpa will be very much missed until we meet again.