Ersel R. Hayes

Ersel R. "Sam" Hayes, 82, of Kansas City, MO formerly of Sioux City passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at St. Luke's Hospital in Lee Summit, MO. Funeral services for Sam will be on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Brothers Samuel Eadie, David Williams and William Jackson speaking on Sam's behalf. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Logan Park Cemetery. Sam was born on February 14, 1929 in Forrest Green, MO to Allen and Minnie (Jackson) Hayes. Sam graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and earned an Associates Degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. He was married to Betty Gibbs in 1950 in South Sioux City, NE. Sam was a long time member of Sioux City Gospel Hall Church where he loved to spread the gospel. Sam never met a stranger, he was very good at making conversation and making everyone feel welcome. He also enjoyed traveling and in his early years playing softball. He was a past member of the Negro Softball League playing for the Grey Ghosts which was later renamed the Sioux City Ghosts as a short stop. He was named by the Cottonwood Minnesota News Paper as "The greatest shortstop in the history of the game", and is a member of the Semi Pro Softball Iowa Hall of Fame. Sam is survived by his wife Betty L. Hayes of Kansas City, MO; son Gary (Evelyn) Hayes of Sioux City; son Ersel Hayes Jr. of Sioux City; daughter Debra (David) Williams of Kansas City, MO; daughter Denise (John) Evans of Sioux City; daughter Christine (Bryant) Hayes of Sioux City; and son Enoch (Jewell) Hayes of Sioux City; 4 sisters Annie Jennings of Portland, OR; Viola Sanders; Margaret Duncan; and Telsia Hayes all of Seattle, WA; 24 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son David, 4 brothers, and a grandson.