Henry J. Kayes, loving father, grandfather and friend

PORTVILLE — Henry J. Kayes passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Hart Comfort House, in Wellsville, on Thursday (Oct. 8, 2026), after a courageous battle with cancer.

Henry was born Feb. 8, 1946, in Olean, the son of William and Ester Thurston Kayes.

He graduated from Olean High School in 1964. After graduation he was drafted in the U.S. Army. He was sent to Vietnam where he was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, where he served honorably and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Henry was a member of Weston Mills Firehall from 1972–1984, serving as fire chief for four years. He was a union plumber before going to work at Olean Wholesale, which is where he retired in 2011.

Henry loved going to the 7-Eleven for coffee, Randy’s Fireside for a Molson, Mickey’s for garlic fish and most of all to Divine Nutrition for tea and his protein balls. This is where he would visit with his favorite ladies that became family to him.

He was survived by his children, Heather Kayes (Tom Cawley) Gibbons of Portville and Holly Kayes Baker of Portville; and grandchildren, Devin and Justin Gibbons, Karter Baker, and Peyton Willard, all from Portville.

Henry was predeceased by his parents and brother, Albert Kayes.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 15, 2026) at Guenther Funeral Home, Olean, with a graveside service with full military honors to be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Oct. 16, 2026) at Black Creek Cemetery, Black Creek.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.