John Edward Hayes passed away, June 4, 2026 in Kingman, Arizona. John was born on October 8, 1956 in Colfax, Washington to Edward and Karen Hayes of St. John, Washington. John went to school in Ewan until they consolidated with St. John school. He started school in St. John when he was in the 5th grade and graduated from there in 1975. During high school he participated in sports, showed steers in FFA and took part in high school rodeos all over Washington state. He made it to the high school rodeo final as a senior in the team roping event.

After high school he attended some college in Spokane and in Walla Walla, followed by a stint of six years in the United States Army. After that, John moved to Arizona where he spent most of the rest of his life. He worked as a ranch hand for different outfits and even spent some time as a guide for the horse or mule rides into the Grand Canyon. The last few years he has lived in retirement in Kingman, Arizona with his beloved dog, Gunner.

John is proceeded in death by his mother, Karen Hayes. He is survived by his father, Edward Hayes, Jr. of St. John; his sister, Kathy (Randall) Schmick of Endicott; two nieces, Cherie Schmick of Endicott and Samantha (Mike) Melcher of St. John; a nephew, Shawn Schmick of Endicott and one great-nephew, McKinley Melcher of St. John.

There are no services being planned at this time. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is helping care for the family.