Bernard C. Hakes Sr.

Bernard Cerall Hakes, 92, of Pine City, NY passed away on April 12, 2023. Bernard was born on February 15, 1931, to George and Anna (DuVall) Hakes in Corning, NY. Bernard joined the Army National Guards during the Korean War Conflict. On December 23, 1950, he married Phyllis (Smith) Hakes and they celebrated 69 wonderful years of love and marriage. Bernard and Phyllis went on to have six children.

Bernard loved to fish with his dad. Bernard cut the lumber off the side of his father's land, and built his own house by hand. He built the home with the Stanley tool set his wife, Phyllis, gave to him as a Christmas gift. Bernard was a Cub Master for Pack # 38 for 38 years. For his years of dedication, he was presented with the Silver Beaver Award.

In Bernard's spare time he enjoyed playing in the band Country Pioneers. Bernard played with Johnny Cash's nephew in Florida. Bernard also knew Willie Nelson. Even after he no longer played in the band, he continued to play his guitar and sing when anyone would come to the house. Bernard was a farmer prior to his marriage to Phyllis. He loved gardening and painting, and shared that love with his youngest granddaughter, Kyla. He would send her home with a new picture every time she went to visit him. Bernard loved setting up at flea markets. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16. Bernard worked at Corning Glass for 15 years; American LaFrance for 10 years, Westinghouse, and Ward LaFrance.

Bernard is predeceased by his wife Phyllis, brothers: William Hakes, George Hakes III, Raymond Hakes, and Walter Hakes, sister: Kathleen Sprague, son: Daniel Hakes, grandsons: Anthony Hakes and Brian Hakes, and granddaughter: Candy Hakes. He is survived by his brothers, Gordon Hakes, Alton Hakes, and Larry Hakes; his sisters, Marie Licciardello and Barbara Coulough, children, Bernard (Dorthy) Hakes of Fayetteville, NC, Mike Hakes of Elmira, NY, Keith Hakes of Corning, NY, Kevin (Karla) Hakes of Lawrenceville, PA, Lindsay (Danelle) of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Johnathan Hakes, Jessica Hakes, Elizabeth Payne, Krista Hakes, Alexis Hakes, Kyla Hakes, Johnathan Hakes, Tony Hakes, Elizabeth Horton, Tyrus Hamblin and Taylor Hamblin, and several great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 followed by a brief service at 8:00 PM.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family at Elmwood Cemetery, Caton, NY.