Dale Hayes 1946-1959

HAYES, REIF

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 18:51:32

23 July 1959 - The Tipton Conservative

WEST BRANCH BOY DROWNS IN LAKE CRYSTAL, DEWITT
Dale Hayes, 13, son of Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Hayes of West Branch, drowned Sunday evening while swimming in Crystal Lake, near DeWitt. Hayes was swimming with a group of friends and relatives.

His disappearance was unnoticed, however, and it was first believed that he might have gone to a nearby camp to play. When he could not be found, dragging operations were started. His body was recovered about 10 p.m., 3 hours after the search was started.

Boats owned by the resort owners were employed in the dragging operations. More than 100 persons were swimming in the area when the youth drowned in about 20 feet of water, authorities said.

According to deputies, the boy had been visiting relatives and friends in Stanwood. He had accompanied the group and his parents for a day's outing at the resort.

Dale Hayes was born Jan. 3, 1946, in Davenport. He had lived in West Branch for 5 years and was a seventh grade student in the West Branch school.

Surviving besides his parents, are a sister, Darlene, at home, his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Henry Hayes of West Branch, and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Reif of Tipton.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at the West Branch Methodist church.