Charles H. Hayes Sr.

ARUNDEL – Charles H. Hayes Sr., 88, “Charlie”, to all who knew him, of Arundel, passed away in his sleep on the evening of Sept. 14, 2025 after a brief illness.

He was born Aug. 21, 1937, in Norwood, Mass., to Charles Wesley Hayes and Helen Gaffney Hayes. He was raised by his foster parents, Harold and Bessie Messenger, first in Parsonsfield and then in Limerick. In 1947, the family moved to River Road in Arundel.

In September 1955, Charlie joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Compton (DD705) until November 1957, and was discharged from the Ready Reserve in 1961.

He was an excellent businessman who, with his wife Roma (Hatch) Hayes, owned Ocean View Farms in Wells, from 1975 to 1988. After retiring from self-employment, he worked as a driver for New England Homes. He then became a school bus driver for SAD 71, now RSU 21, in Kennebunk, a job he held for 18 years until his second retirement in 2018 at the age of 81.

Charlie was an avid golfer and a member of both Cape Arundel Golf Course and Dutch Elm Golf Course. He was very proud of the two holes-in-one he made during his golfing years.

He was a member of numerous organizations, including the York Masonic Lodge #22, the York County Shrine Club, Kora Temple Shrine, Eastern Star Madonna Chapter #114, American Legion Post 159, Amvets Post #1, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 804 and the Arundel Historical Society.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Wesley Hayes and Helen Gaffney Hayes; his brother, Arthur Hayes; his foster parents Harold and Bessie Messenger; his foster brothers Harold and Ernest Messenger; and his infant son, Timothy Hayes.

Charles is survived by his wife, Velma Jones Hayes; and his children, Charles H. Hayes Jr. (Cheryl), Penny Hayes, and Shawn A. Hayes. He is also survived by his stepchildren, James Jones (Joanne), Michael Jones, Melisa Desmond (Ron), and Robyn Jones. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Brandon Hayes, Samantha Speare, Stephanie Volk, Christopher Merrill, Brianna Hayes, and Elizabeth Hayes, his step-grandchildren, Nathan Jones (Bryce), Telicia Souliere (Roger), Brandon Jones (April), Tia Norris, and Krysta Norris; and five great-grandchildren. Other surviving family members include his sisters-in-law Sally Pratt and Lynda Hayes; and his cousin, Thomas Mahoney (Sandi); along with many nieces, nephews; and loving friends.

Friends are invited to visiting hours to be held 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, with a Masonic Memorial Service to be held at 3 p.m. led by brethren of York Lodge #22. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, both services to be held at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St. Kennebunk.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Charlie’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the

Kora Temple Shrine

11 Sabattus St.

Lewiston, ME 04240;

Gary’s House

97 State St.

Portland, ME 04101, or

Arundel Historical Society

3 Talbot Drive,

Arundel ME 04046

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