On Thursday. June 21, 2018, Thomas D. Hayes of Cahokia, Il, passed away at Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center after a long illness. He will be remembered as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Tom was born January 15, 1952 in St. Louis, Mo and on June 30, 1979 he married his best friend Sandra (Dombroski).

Tom was known for his quick wit, amazing sense of humor and his compassionate spirit. He enjoyed fishing and travelling. Enlisting in the United States Army in January 1969, he served in the Vietnam war, the Military Police, and the Air National Guard, retiring from the Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant after 23 years. Tom had a passion for volunteer work, holding positions as an Auxiliary police officer and as Assistant Chief at Camp Jackson Fire Department as well as Cahokia Emergency Services Disaster Agency. He was an active member of VFW Post 1699 in Cahokia, holding the positions of chaplain, quartermaster and Commander as well as holding positions at the state level. Tom volunteered as an election judge in Cahokia for many years. He will be remembered for his dedication for protecting his family and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Gordon, his mother, Ruby (Winebrenner), his brothers John and William and his sister Corliss Sosa. He is survived by his wife Sandy, his three children, Ariana, Brian (Heather) and Tracey, his brothers Ralph, Robert, Richard Luby and sister Patricia Pingel as well as his grandchildren Brian, Makayla, Nicholas, Haley, Hannah, Heidi and Sam.

A celebration of Tom's life will begin on Thursday, June 28 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 12:00 noon at Braun Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Roger Reid officiating. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.