PASTOR DONALD M. HAYAS entered eternal glory on Friday, February 10 th , 2023 at the age of 84. Loving husband of the late Ruth Janosik (dec. 2017) and the late Joan (Sabo) Hayas, (dec.2000). Cherished father of Susan Murawski, Debi Albrecht (Dennis), Becky Goecker (Max) and Sarah Trent (Keith). Grandfather of Scott, Adam, Heather, Sam, AJ, Liz, Emma, Kayla, Ryan and Taylor.  Great-grandfather of six. Brother of Judy Bernd, brother-in-law of Ken Bernd and Marty Sabo.  Uncle and great uncle to many. He was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Mary (Fabricius) Hayas.

Born in Bethlehem, PA., Don was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Concordia Lutheran Church. His confirmation verse served as a theme for his life.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go ." Joshua 1:9

Oh, the places he would go! At Liberty High School he was a trombonist in the marching band. At Lehigh University, he continued as a musician and member of the infamous 'Marching 97', while earning a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation he was employed by Allegheny Ludlum Steel Co.in Brackenridge, PA.  He married Joan Sabo on a very humid August day in 1960. Their forty-year marriage lasted until Joan's death in 2000.  They were blessed with their first daughter in 1964. In volunteering as St. John Brackenridge's Sunday School Superintendent, Don found a growing purpose through ministry. Encouraged by his pastor, Don and Joan moved to Springfield, Ill. so Don could attend Concordia Theological Seminary. They were blessed with two more daughters in 1967 and 1968. During his one-year vicarage in 1969, he served at St. John Lutheran in Cudahy near Milwaukee. In 1970, as an ordained minister he was called to St. Paul Lutheran, Braddock, PA and in 1972 they were blessed with their fourth daughter. In 1975, The Hayas family moved to Northern Ontario to serve at Christ Lutheran Church in Timmins. Working with the Red Cross, Don was instrumental in opening The Umbrage Home for homeless men. The Lord called Don back to the States to minister in Lakewood until his retirement in 2006. He served as the SELC Circuit Pastor and as a Peace Counselor. He continued as a Guest Pastor in a number of churches in Ohio until August of 2022. Don volunteered as a Chapel Pastor with his good friend, Noel, who served as an accompanist at Lakewood Skilled Nursing facilities for many years.

Don was an avid sports fan, accurately reciting stats from the 1950's and beyond. Don enjoyed sports conversations with buddies, Rick and Mike. He loved his time as Grandpa and Great-grandpa and had a hard time passing up the chance to treat them to ice cream.

The family will receive guests on Friday, February 17 th , 2023 from 3-7pm at Chambers Funeral Home, 29150 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, Ohio, 44070 and on Saturday, February 18 th at Grace Lutheran Church, 13030 Madison Ave., Lakewood, Ohio 44107  with prelude music at 10:15 am,  service to follow at 10:30 am. The service will be live-streamed at (address to follow). Private interment will be at Lakewood Park Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to your favorite Lutheran School.