Dennis Fry Hayes

Dennis Fry Hayes, 84, of Glenpool, Oklahoma, passed away on April 20, 2026. He was born on July 7, 1941, in Altus, Oklahoma, to Harry Fry Hayes and Joyce Lee Galloway.

Dennis graduated from school at the age of 17 and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Navy. During his military career, he worked as a boiler technician on submarines and ships, traveling around the world three times. He was especially proud of his time at sea and often spoke of the ships he served on: USS Enterprise, Oriskany, Agerholm, Barney, Hancock, New Jersey, and Furer. He even carried that pride into his personal life, placing the names of his ships on his Slingshot and some of his motorcycles. His service reflected his dedication, discipline, and adventurous spirit.

After retiring from the Navy, Dennis continued a strong work ethic. He worked for Halliburton Oil in Cordell, Oklahoma, and later co-owned a Chevron car wash in California. He eventually returned to Oklahoma, where he partnered with his brother, James, constructing steel buildings. He took pride in working with his hands and building things that would last.

Dennis had a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. He enjoyed building model airplanes, race car sets, and train sets. A lifelong enthusiast of customizing vehicles, he entered car and motorcycle shows and frequently won first place, proudly displaying a plethora of trophies in his home. Later in life, after he stopped riding motorcycles, he found joy in driving his Polaris Slingshot. During his years of riding, he earned patches for hundreds of thousands of verified miles on his motorcycles. Though he was known for always driving trucks, he eventually treated himself to a Cadillac. He also had a special love for his huskies-he always had one by his side, and when one grew old, he would welcome another into his life. Above all, Dennis cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren.

A man of faith, Dennis lived with strong values and a deep love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Fry Hayes and Joyce Lee Galloway, and his great-grandchild, Amelia.

Dennis is survived by his children: Dennis Hayes Jr. of Cleburne, Texas; Sandy Flynn and husband Patrick of Cleburne, Texas; Sheila Hayes of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Tracy Hayes of Glenpool, Oklahoma; and Michelle Morgan and husband James of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his siblings, James Hayes of Glenpool, Oklahoma, and Diane of Altus, Oklahoma.

Burial will take place at Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 24, 2026. Services will be officiated by Pastor James Morgan.

Dennis will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his love of family, and the many ways he built and shaped the world around him.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online, www.schaudtfuneralservice.com