Louis (Lou) Hayes, age 97, died Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his home in Kendal-Crosslands. He was the husband of the late Eleanor (Mulligan) Hayes, with whom he shared nearly 70 years of marriage. Born in 1925 in Attleboro, MA, he was the son of the late Louis E. Hayes and Gladys Clement Hayes.

Lou grew up in Attleboro and graduated from Tufts University in Boston in 1945 as a member of the U.S. Navy’s V-12 officer candidate program. Upon graduation, he served in the Navy as an Ensign and later Lieutenant J.G., taking two cruises to the Philippines bringing returning troops home at the close of WWII. He later attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, receiving a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked as an Engineering Manager for two different manufacturing firms in CT and PA. He finished his technical career teaching undergraduate engineering classes at Widener University in Chester, PA, where he was several times voted as the most outstanding classroom instructor by his students.

Lou enjoyed classic and antique automobiles, owning several and driving a Model A Ford to work for years during the 1960’s. He was interested in flying and received a private pilot’s license in the 1980’s. He enjoyed running, jogging on his own to keep in shape and running in Brian’s Run in West Chester for years. Most of all, he was a devoted father and grandfather to his family.

Lou is survived by 3 children: Peter Hayes of Unionville, Jonathan Hayes and his wife Nancy of Downingtown, and Louisa Leipold and her husband Bob of West Chester, as well as 5 grandchildren (Mark, Brian, Kathleen, Eric, and Jennifer) and 3 great grandchildren (Julian, Caden, and Lyra).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Special Olympics, for whom Lou volunteered for a number of years. Donations may be mailed to Special Olympics, Attn: Web Gifts, 2600 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037.

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.