Kevin Hayes passed away on September 6, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and love that will stay with his family and friends forever.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Kevin spent most of his life there before making the move to Odessa, Texas, in 2023. Through every chapter of his life, one thing remained constant: his love for his family.

Kevin and his wife, Debra, shared 51 years of marriage and had just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Their life together was filled with memories, adventures, challenges, laughter, and a love that lasted more than five decades.

Kevin was father to Jennifer Merriman and her husband, Craig Merriman, and Jonathan Hayes and his wife, Brittany Hayes. He was also the father of his dearly departed son, Kevin Hayes II. His seven grandchildren- Aiden and his wife Kamryn, Zachary and his wife Michelle, Abby, Kevin, Quinn, Addison, & Kayden- brought another special kind of joy to his life, and being a grandfather gave him countless memories to treasure

Kevin knew how to enjoy life. He loved good food, casinos, fishing, traveling, playing games, and settling in to rewatch a movie he had probably already seen a dozen times. But more than anything, Kevin loved people and he loved a good story.

He especially loved reminiscing about the old days. And while he certainly wasn't old according to him, that never stopped him from telling his stories to anyone and everyone who would listen. Whether you had known him for years or had just met him, Kevin could strike up a conversation and somehow have you listening to stories about his life before you knew it. Those stories-and the way he told them-are memories his family will treasure forever.

Kevin leaves behind much more than photographs and belongings. He leaves behind 51 years of marriage, children who loved him, seven grandchildren who will carry his memory with them, countless stories, and a lifetime of moments that will be remembered and retold for generations.

He will be deeply and sincerely missed by everyone who loved him. His absence will be felt in the quiet moments, around family gatherings, during favorite movies, over good food, and every time someone tells one of the stories he told so many times before.

Kevin may no longer be here to tell his stories, but his family will keep telling them for him. And in every story, every memory, and every laugh, a part of him will live on.