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Leonard Claude Hayes, (Len), age 86, of Oceanside, California, passed away on May 28, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 25, 1939, in Alhambra, California, the son of Rexford Hayes and Berenice Riley.
He graduated from California High School in 1957 and graduated from Whittier College in 1961, earning his bachelor’s degree and later his master’s degree.
After Len became a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps he married Bernice Bungard in 1963. Together they had three sons, Jeffrey, Carey, and Brian. Len retired from the Marine Corps in 1992.
Len served two tours in the Vietnam War. (1965-1966 and 1968-1969). His first tour was as an infantry platoon commander and Company Executive Officer with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. During this tour he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the country’s 3rd highest combat decoration. He served his second tour as the company commander of Fox company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. During this period he was awarded the Bronze Star.
During his 30 years of service he commanded at the Company level, Battalion level (3rd Battalion, 5th Marines), as well as commanding 1st FFSG. He also completed the National War College. After retirement he went on to serve as a civil servant with the Orange County California Marshal’s Office and eventually he became the head of the county’s emergency management department. During this time he was also the Executive Director of the 1st Marine Division Association.
For 37 years, Len was Lynne’s partner, best friend, and the love of her life. They built a life filled with adventure, laughter, and countless cherished memories. They spent time exploring new places, walking along the harbor with their beloved dogs and peaceful days horseback riding. Len was one of Lynne’s biggest supporters of her dream, standing beside her every step of the way as she built Horse Spirit Ranch. He was a devoted stepfather to their beautiful daughter, Christina, loving her as his own and taking great pride in the woman she became.
He was also a caring and attentive grandfather who treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren. His kindness, patience, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Len lived a life marked by adventure, including riding a motorcycle across the country. Len will be remembered for his generosity and his willingness to help those in need, for his love for his family and his country, and for his larger than life personality.
Leonard is survived by his devoted wife, Lynne, his stepdaughter, Christina Jones (Sylvester) and his grandchildren, Kayla, SJ, and Shlomo, his sons Carey(Angelina) and Brian(Viktoriya), his brother Roger(Jane) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Bernice, his oldest son, Jeff, and his brother, James, and James’ wife, Jackie.
A military committal service for Leonard will be held Friday, July 24, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.
Leonard's Celebration of Life will be held at Riverview Church, 4980 Sweet Grass Ln., Bonsall, CA 92003 Friday July 24th, 2026 at 12:30pm, reception to follow.
Obituary at Trident Society
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