Mr. Mark Stephen Hayes, age 63, of Vernon, passed away Friday, October 28, 2022, at his residence.

Mr. Hayes was born September 7, 1959, in Guin, AL, to the late Junior and Ruth Brown Hayes.  He graduated from Lamar County High School in 1977, then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  After completing basic training at Lackland Air Base in Texas, Mr. Hayes completed other training in Champaign, IL, then was stationed at Elmendorf Air Base in Anchorage, AK, for three years.  He was discharged in June of 1981 at Duluth Air Base in Minnesota.  While serving in the Air Force, Mr. Hayes received Accolades for the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Markmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.  After being discharged from the Air Force, he went to work for a brief stent in the oilfield with his brother, James.  He then started his trucking career, working for Terra First Trucking, Butler Trucking Company, and most recently, Vernon Milling Company, where his health forced him to retire.  To know Mark, was to love him.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR and Alabama football. Hunting, fishing and golfing were some of his favorite pastimes.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hayes was also preceded in death by two nephews, Christopher Hayes and Nicholas Hayes.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 1, at 10:00 AM, in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home, with Bro. James Godsey officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday evening, 6:00-8:00 PM.

Active pallbearers will be Mark Collier, Jessie Wakefield, Casey White, Elmer Thomas, Wayne Saxton, and Wanda "Blondie" Saxton.  Honorary pallbearers will be his co-workers from Vernon Milling Company, Walt Holcomb, Henry Smith, and the LCHS Class of 1977.

Survivors include his daughter, Brittany Baker; two sons, Jeremy Hayes and Josh Hayes; three step-children, Michelle, Misty, and Bud Newell; seven grandchildren; one brother, James (Debbie) Hayes; one sister, Cheryl June (Tom) Raper; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.