Clyde Hayes

Clyde James Hayes

January 14, 1946 – October 19, 2026

Clyde James Hayes, 80, passed away at his home in St. George, Utah, on October 19, 2026. To know Clyde was to love him. Generous with his time and resources, devoted to his faith, and always willing to help, he made service a defining part of his life.

Clyde couldn’t wait to get busy living. Born prematurely on January 14, 1946, in Panguitch, Utah, to Sam and Lorraine Louise Sanders Hayes, he weighed less than three pounds and was not expected to survive. But the stubborn streak his family would come to know so well was already firmly in place, and he fought. His mother said she could hold him in one hand, a small beginning for a man who would make such a lasting difference.

After living briefly in Panguitch and Arizona, Clyde spent most of his childhood in Nephi, Utah, where he graduated from Juab High School. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a mission in Ireland. On September 20, 1969, he married Linda Adams in the Manti Utah Temple. Together, they raised five children: Bryce, Justin, Julie, Niesja, and Chance.

Clyde graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in accounting. He began his career in Las Vegas, working for the Nevada Gaming Commission and the United States Department of Treasury. His work took him to Twin Falls, Idaho, and then to Provo, Utah, where he spent the remainder of a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Treasury, holding leadership positions. He lived in Provo and Elk Ridge before retiring to St. George.

Clyde served in many Church callings, including as a bishop and scoutmaster. As a bishop, he was beloved for his generosity and willingness to go beyond what was expected to help others. Scouting held a special place in his heart. He participated in Wood Badge and found genuine joy in watching the young men he mentored learn and grow.

Long after their Scouting years, former Scouts would stop his family members to ask how he was doing and send their thanks and good wishes. Those encounters spoke to the lasting difference he made. He did more than lead a troop. He transformed lives.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Linda Adams Hayes; his children, Bryce Hayes (Christine), Justin Hayes (Michele), Julie Hayes Peterson (Austin), Niesja Hayes Strongwolf (Wolf), and Chance Hayes (Alyse); and his sister, Carolyn Pugmire.

His 16 grandchildren are Nathan Hayes, Camden Hayes, Natalie Hayes, Olivia Hayes, Laura Hayes, Ivy Lorraine Hayes, Weston Hayes, Zachary Peterson, Alexandria Tykhomyrova, Taylon Elvis Peterson, Ethan Michael Sharp, Emelly Strongwolf, Dante Hayes, Rosalee Hayes, Lauralai Hayes, and Kaylee Hayes. His seven great-grandchildren are Manoel Clyde Peterson, Maya Peterson, Mari Peterson, Taya Tykhomyrov, Sasha Tykhomyrov, Emilio Nunez, and Easton Amador.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Lorraine Hayes; his brother, Tom Hayes; his sisters, Shirley Ann “Sadie” Hayes Matthews and Marian Lorraine “Murnie” Hayes Jensen; a baby brother who lived only a few hours; and his beloved granddaughter, Ivy Lorraine Hayes.

Clyde’s generosity, faith, and determination shaped a life devoted to others. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and the many people whose lives he touched.

Memorial services will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 1905 Rustic Drive, St. George, Utah. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Vine Bluff Cemetery, 1240 North 400 East, Nephi, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Clyde’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.