Father Thomas J. Hayes, OMI, 97, died on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Dammert Care Center of The Benedictine Living Center at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Illinois.
He was born in 1928 in Columbus, OH, to the late James and Bernice (Newell) Hayes. After achieving a degree at Ohio State University, he served as a biological scientist in the US Army. After his military service, he entered the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, pronouncing his first vows in 1959. He completed his seminary studies in Pass Christian, MS, and was ordained a priest in 1964.
In the course of his long years as a priest, he served in various ministries in Mississippi, Illinois and California, including as director of the Retreat House of Christ the King in Belleville and as the Archbishop of San Francisco’s chaplain to victims of HIV/AIDS.
Fr. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, James Hayes and Elizabeth Lohn.
He is survived by four nephews. Mourning his passing are also some 3300 Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate serving in 60 countries.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, followed by burial of his ashes at St. Henry Oblate Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
