Dr. Edward L. Hayes, a Ceres native who went on to become the fourth president of Denver Seminary, died Nov. 20 in Santa Barbara. He was 86.

Born Sept. 26, 1931, Hayes attended First Baptist Church while living in Ceres.

Dr. Hayes served as the Seminary president from 1993 to 1996. However, his tenure and contribution to the Seminary lasted for over 20 years as he served in the role of professor of Christian Education from 1960 to 1979. Dr. Hayes retired in 1996, having served Denver Seminary for 23 years.

When Hayes was appointed president, the Seminary understood his tenure would be brief as he was nearing retirement. The board realized Hayes already knew Denver Seminary well and possessed the skill to keep the Seminary moving forward. Dr. Hayes was thus appointed and served his three years faithfully before his retirement in 1996. During his tenure as president, Dr. Hayes traveled extensively, lecturing and consulting in over 20 countries.

He also was executive director of the Mount Hermon Association in Santa Cruz prior to 1993.