This story begins one Saturday in Oklahoma City. It was April 30, 1966 when a precious baby boy was born to Susan Hill.  The next day, that precious baby was laid in the arms of Eddie who adopted him as Aaron James. He was brought home to his sister Pethi and a couple years later, became the big brother of Dion.   During that same time, Buddy Hayes (Dr. Robert Hayes) was the proud Dad to Holly Hayes, Shannon Hayes and Mark Hayes.  When Buddy and Eddie married, they forever formed "The Hayes Bunch".  Aaron loved the whole bunch and upon meeting Susan, he loved her too. In his early youth, three seeds were planted: Family, Cowboy and Faith.

His family flourished and produced. While Aaron and Tanya were married, Aaron became the proud Dad of Kaycee and Lauren.

Aaron married Shelly VanConett on March 1, 1996 and loved Richard and Becky like his own. Aaron used his cowboy style to teach God's forgiveness in a unique program known as "3C". He wore many hats. One of his favorite hats was being a softball coach and later softball enthusiast. Aaron and Shelly followed Lauren, their daughter all over the United States playing ball.

Becky married Shawn Rowland and Richard married Melissa Isom.  Soon God blessed Aaron with the title "Papa Hank" through the gifts of Addison, Logan, Brody, Lily Lucas, Lily, Ella Jo andLandree Kate. He taught God's unconditional love to his family and to all that were around him, by example and his daily walk.

Aaron's love for his grandchildren and his knowledge of their individual gifts were often spoken about. He would wrestle, play, have long conversations and often you would find a grandbaby or two peacefully in his lap snuggled up.

The seed of Faith grew and spread like wildfire. Aaron professed The Lord as Savior in his youth. But as God formed the character of the man Aaron would become, Aaron fell more and more in love with his Heavenly Father. He proclaimed the word of Jesus daily. He prayed over the small details and big decisions, and if you sat still for a moment, Aaron prayed over you. He counted his blessings all the time and gave God the glory every time. Aaron was blessed by Shelly; his wife, best friend and soulmate.  He was blessed with the gift of his kids and grandkids.  He was blessed with countless extended family and friends including brothers, sisters, mother, mom and dad.

Aaron's story comes to a lull on a gray, overcast day on May 10, 2017.  That day, Aaron met his Father.   Rest assured, only those of us reading this are mourning.We can only search scripture to get a glimpse of this chapter in Aaron's story.Aaron is sitting at the feet of Jesus worshiping and praising.  He is singing and rejoicing in Heaven praising his Father. Let us all praise and speak life and blessings all the days of our lives.