Dethanial "DC" Charles Hayes

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of (retired) 1SG Dethanial Charles “DC” Hayes, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and decorated military veteran. DC passed away at the age of 89 after bravely battling cancer, leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and passion for life.

Born on June 11, 1935, in Chandler, Arizona, to Cottrell (Buddy) Hayes and Lucy (Croley) Hayes, DC was the eldest of their four children. He spent his early years with brief stints in Chandler, Arizona; Frisco, Texas; and Home Gardens and Chino, California, before his family settled on their farm in Silo, Oklahoma, in 1944. DC’s childhood was filled with adventures and treasured memories shared with his many Croley cousins while attending elementary school at the old Silo Schoolhouse. He then attended Mead School for 9th and 10th grades and graduated from Cobb High School in 1953.

After graduation, DC briefly worked in Dallas, Texas, before joining the Air National Guard. His service led him to Denver, Colorado, where he worked at Buckley Air Force Base. In 1958, DC was drafted into the U.S. Army, beginning a remarkable military career. During basic training at Fort Hood, he trained only three barracks away from Elvis Presley. DC was later stationed in Germany, where he met and married the love of his life, Rosemarie Agnes Ida (Paul) Hayes.

DC served with distinction during his military career, including a tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 as a Tank Crewman, where he was wounded in action. He retired after over 25 years of service as a First Sergeant (1SG) at Fort Carson, Colorado.

DC’s service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal 1-6, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Development Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Valorous Unit Award, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

After retiring from the Army, DC continued working with the same passion and dedication he showed in his military career. He graduated with his Associate's degree in Business Administration from National College. Then, he worked as a mechanic at PacLease and Springs Truck Center, later transitioning to part-time work as an order picker at Walter Drake. As a skilled craftsman, he spent much of his free time rebuilding motors and sharing his mechanical expertise with others.

His passion for restoring vintage cars led him to become an active member of the Pikes Peak Vintage Motor Car Club of America, where he showcased his beloved ’69 Oldsmobile and ’48 Chevrolet, sharing his love of classic automobiles with the community.

DC’s strong opinions and quick wit made him unforgettable to all who knew him. He never met a stranger.

DC is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemarie Hayes; his children, Debra (Ron) Weiss, Brenda Robinson, CK “Cotty” (Sherrey Heisler) Hayes, Birgitt (John) Betts, Petra (William) Nagel, and Richard (Supansa) Hayes; his grandchildren, Katrina (Kevin) Pool, Miranda (Carolyn) Weiss, Lina (Mark) Betts-Shaw, Eric (Jessica) James, Michael (Brianna) Nagel, Autumn (Derk) Miller, and Derek (Shelby) Nagel; 14 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Billy Ralph (Annette) Hayes, Linda Ruth Hayes-Litke, and Ronnie (Vali) Hayes. DC was preceded in death by his parents, Cottrell and Lucy Hayes.

A service to honor and celebrate DC’s life will be held on Thursday, January 16th at 2:00 PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925. A viewing will take place earlier that day at 12:00 PM at All Veterans Funeral Home, 1020 East Filmore Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Following the funeral, we invite family and friends to join us for a celebration of life from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4051 (VFW), 6523 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, where refreshments will be served.

The family kindly requests that flowers be sent to All Veterans Burial & Cremation Services 1020 E. Fillmore Street Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907. Your floral tributes are a beautiful way to honor DC's memory and celebrate his life. 

His legacy of service, love, and passion will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.