Loren Hayes

Loren Eugene Hayes of Orlando, OK passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 in Stillwater at age 93. Loren was born in Seminole, OK on September 30, 1927 to Lela (Snyder) Hayes and Merle Hayes.

He attended and graduated from Hayward High School in 1945. After graduation, Loren joined the Navy where he spent time in San Diego, Seattle and New Orleans before he was discharged on July 19, 1946, when he came back to Oklahoma to work in the oil fields. While working, Loren also attended a semester at Oklahoma A&M College, now Oklahoma State University, where he completed Engineering course work.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Finnell on October 24, 1950 at Lucien United Methodist Church, a union that would last 67 wonderful years. The couple made their home outside of Orlando, OK before they purchased a farm South of Lucien in 1956, where they raised their three children, Connie, Elaine and Keith.

Loren was a farmer & retired from the fabrication shop at Ditch Witch in 1992. Loren and Dorothy’s hobbies included traveling with the Exchange Bank Prime 50 groups on many bus tours. They began square dancing in the 1960’s and continued until a few years ago. Over the years they were members of the Lucien Merri Makers, Enid Levi’s ’n’ Lace and Shirts & Skirts square dance clubs. They served as officers in the local square dance club and also at the District and State level. They attended National Square Dance Conventions in Portland, OR; Memphis, TN; Birmingham, AL; and San Antonio, TX.

Loren is survived by his children, Connie Guthrie and husband, Winford, of Stillwater; Elaine Barton and husband, Randy, of Edmond; and Keith Hayes and wife, Mary, of Orlando; Grandchildren, Daniel Guthrie and wife, Pam, of Stillwater; Amanda Sleeger and husband, Clayton, of Lucien; and Eric Hayes and wife, Allison, of Perry, Great-Grandchildren, Lauren Guthrie, Chisum Spears and Tucker Hayes and one sister, Murlene Reynolds, of Norman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Hayes, his mother, Lela (Snyder) Hayes, his father, Merle Hayes, mother-in-law & father-in law, John & Clara Finnell, and his sisters Maxine Harman and Pat Womack.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 8th at 10am at the Lucien United Methodist Church with Pastor Don Knot officiating. Interment will follow at the McGuire Cemetery. The visitation will be at Brown-Dugger Funeral Home in Perry on Wednesday, April 7th from 5:00-7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lucien United Methodist Church.