Darrel Hayes, 73, of Baxter, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at his home. Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 North Main St., in Baxter from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place in Restland Cemetery in Baxter at a later date. Darrel was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on August 2, 1951, to Miles and Kathryn (Freland) Hayes. He grew up in Rhodes and attended West Marshall School where he graduated with the class of 1969. He married the love of his life Rose Brightwell on October 30, 1970. To this union 2 boys were born and the couple raised them between Baxter and Mingo. Darrel was a highly sought after auto parts guru and worked for various auto part stores across Central Iowa. Darrel was a gun safety course instructor in Colfax for over 25 years. Darrel was a member of the Colfax Gun Club. He was an avid squirrel hunter and loved to make summer sausage and jerky. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, fishing, watching any sport on TV, country music, and eating at Niland's Cafe in Colo. Those left to cherish his loving memory are his son Clayton (Colleen) Hayes of Newton, IA; grandchildren Jami Gander, Anjelica Hayes, Jessica Wolfe, Jacob Kendall, and Jonathan Kendall; many great-grandchildren; sister Karen Tyler; brother Ron Hayes; aunt Canda Green; girlfriend Nancy Mercer; sister-in-law Elaine Brightwell; brother-in-law Melvin Mohler; and many nieces and nephews. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rose, son Robbie, sister Sharon Hayes, and sister-in-law Debra Hayes. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Darrel and his family.