Warren "Dale" Hayes

On March 28, 2024, Warren Dale Hayes, age 61, of California City, California, peacefully passed away at Palmdale Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family, after bravely battling cancer.

Born on December 31, 1962, in Columbia, Missouri, to Patricia Moran and Felix Mason, Dale’s journey began in the heart of Kansas City Missouri. A proud graduate of Van Horn High School, class of ’81. Dale’s passion for his hometown extended to his unwavering support for the Kansas City Chiefs, his loyalty evident in every game, cheering them on with enthusiasm that lit up the room. 

Joining the United States Air Force on February 2, 1984, Dale embarked on a distinguished military career. From Barksdale AFB to Edwards AFB, his military service took him across continents, including stints overseas in Korea and various temporary duty assignments, shaping him into the dedicated and resilient man he was. He worked on groundbreaking projects such as the iconic F-117 Nighthawk, contributing his expertise to the defense of his country with dedication and honor until his retirement on October 3, 2006. Stationed at Barksdale AFB, fate intervened as he met the love of his life, Jinda, whom he married on November 20, 1994. Together, they raised three sons and two daughters: Alec, Andre, Terry, Ladda, and Michelle.

After retiring from Edwards AFB, Dale pursued his passion for engineering, working for companies like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. But it was Dale’s love for cars that ignited his spirit. Whether he was meticulously restoring them to their former glory or racing them with enthusiasm. He instilled this same passion in his children, passing down not only his mechanical skills but also his strong work ethic and love of automobiles to his sons, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication and craftsmanship.

Dale’s legacy extends beyond his professional and mechanical pursuits. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, found fulfillment in helping his friends, and could often be found tinkering away in his garage, surrounded by the hum of engines and the smell of grease. 

He will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 29 years, Jinda, their children, 18 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, his siblings O'Neal and Jennifer Mitchell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and cherished friends. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Moran and Felix Mason, as well as his brother Patric E. Hayes and sisters Connie Hayes-Smith and Gigi Hayes.

Services to celebrate Dale's life will be held at Halley Olsen Murphy Funerals & Cremations, 44831 Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534, on April 13th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM PST. It will be a time for family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Dale to come together, share memories, and bid farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.