Donald F. Heyes

Gilbertville/Barre - Donald F. "Bummy" Heyes, 88, of Gilbertville, and a formerly long-time resident of Barre, died on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at his son's home surrounded by his loved ones following a brief period of declining health.



He leaves his son, Donald F. Heyes, Jr. and his wife Sheila, Michael Heyes and his partner Cindy McKay; his daughter, Polly Patch and her husband Alan, his step-daughters, Donna Robbins, Sue Appelt and her husband Tim, Joan Vajcovec and her husband Andy, and Jean Powers; his sisters, Mary Yankus, Irene O'Connor, Priscilla Crawford, and his brothers, Walter and Alfred Heyes. He also leaves 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.  He was born in Barre, son of the late Samuel and Irene E. Heyes.  He is predeceased by sisters, Clarice Jannette, Donna Johnson, Bertha Grondin, and brothers, Samuel Heyes, Robert Heyes, Paul Heyes, and Joseph Heyes.

He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17, where is was assigned to an Engineering Unit, and served during the Korean War.  Following his service, he worked as a construction laborer for several years, as well as for MWRA.

Don enjoyed trying his luck at scratch tickets - he was better at buying them than winning though. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing along with long rides on back country roads all over New England. Known as "Paco" to his grandchildren, he loved his large extended family.

A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon this summer.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware is assisting his family with arrangements.

An online guest book is available at charbonneaufh.com