August 7, 1940 – June 16, 2026
Richard E. “Dick” Hayes, 85, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of military service, public leadership, advocacy, recovery, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

In accordance with Dick’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Military Honors will be rendered, followed by the Lord’s Prayer at a private burial with family at later date. Dick was born on August 7, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Arthur Richard Hayes and Willine Eloise (Freeman) Hayes. He attended Hopkins Elementary School, West Junior High School, and Central High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a deep appreciation for his hometown.

Following a year in the Naval Reserves, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959. He proudly served his country in Greenland, Newfoundland, and at several military installations throughout the United States before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1966 while stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California.

After his military service, Dick briefly worked for Union Pacific Railroad in Los Angeles before beginning a career with the United States Postal Service. Returning home to Sioux City in 1968, he made history as the first African American parcel delivery driver employed by United Parcel Service (UPS) in Sioux City. In 1973, he returned to the U.S. Postal Service as a Letter Carrier.

Dicks career was defined not only by hard work but by compassion. During the final eight years of his postal career, he coordinated the Program for Alcoholic Recovery, which later became the Employee Assistance Program. Having maintained over 50 years of sobriety, Dick dedicated himself to helping others find hope, healing, and recovery. He retired from the Postal Service in 1989 after more than 25 years of distinguished service. Never one to stop serving, Dick joined the 185th Air National Guard in 1974, where he served as a Master Sergeant and Teletype Communications Specialist. He retired in 1987 after more than 20 years of combined military service.

His passion for serving others continued after retirement. He worked as a counselor with the AID Center before becoming Executive Director of the Sioux City Human Rights Commission in 1992. For the next 12 years, Dick championed equality, fairness, and opportunity for countless individuals throughout the Siouxland community, retiring in 2004. A faithful attendee of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Dick was also a past president and lifetime member of the NAACP. He devoted countless hours to community boards, civic organizations, and committees that supported low-income families, promoted civil rights, and strengthened the community he loved.

While Dick was deeply committed to public service, those who knew him best remember his infectious smile, quick wit, generous spirit, and love of life. He cherished time spent with family and friends and found joy in simple pleasures from the excitement of the dog races to friendly games of poker, blackjack, and dice at area casinos. He lived each day with gratitude, resilience, and an unwavering appreciation for life’s blessings. 

Dick leaves to cherish his memory his former wife, Saundra Hayes; his children, Lori (Mark) Gentry, Andria Lynn, Trina (Anthony) Norris, Terrance Hayes, and Todd Hayes; his sisters, Dixie K. Taylor, , and Brigette Saffold; his brothers, Terrance Hayes and Tyrone Saffold; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and a host great-great-grandchildren; his beloved aunt, Evelyn Freeman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Richard Hayes and Willine Eloise Hayes; his sisters, Sandra Allen, Sharon R. Thompson, Marva Utley and Linda Joyce Hayes; his brother, Donald Saffold; a favorite uncle Lawrence Freeman, step mother Lorine Hayes and his beloved grandson, Reginald Hayes.

Dick’s life was a testament to perseverance, service, compassion, and faith. His impact can be seen in the lives he mentored, the communities he strengthened, and the family he loved so deeply. His legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the local NAACP or Rosecrance formerly known as Jackson Recovery Centers in Dick’s honor.