Gordon M. Hayes Sr., 92, of Clinton, who rose from bookkeeper to serve as president of the Hayes National Bank (now NBT Bank) for 25 years, died on July 24, 2012, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

He was born on March 10, 1920, in Syracuse, to Robert and Elise Millard Hayes, and graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1937 and from Hamilton College in 1941.

He joined the US Navy in 1941 and served aboard the USS Sperry and USS Mendocino in the Pacific Theatre, attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. In 1951, he was recalled by the US Naval Reserve to serve in the Korean War. He married Elizabeth Smith on Jan. 10, 1948 in Utica.

At the end of WWII, he joined Hayes National Bank as a bookkeeper and in 1960 was named president of bank in Clinton, serving until his retirement in 1985. He was a graduate of banking schools, including the American Institute of Banking at Rutgers and New York State Bankers School of Agriculture at Cornell University.

He served on the Clinton Central School Board, Clinton Cemetery Association, Alumni Trustee of Hamilton College, Credit Bureau of Utica, and the Lutheran Home. He was a fundraiser for the Kirkland Art Center, Jack Boynton Pool, Clinton Cemetery Association, and the Kirkland Town Library. He enjoyed tennis, grouse hunting, and hockey, and in retirement, wildflower photography.

Besides his wife, he is survived by six children and their spouses, Gordon M. Jr., Clinton, Cynthia L. Hayes and James Staas, Amherst, N.Y., Christine “Tina” H. and Langhorn Withers, Springfield, Va.,, Sarah H. and Carl Schindler, Rochester, Nathan M., Olympia, Wash., and Martha H. and Michael Smiles, Noank, Conn.; 13 grandchildren, Claire and Cory Hayes, Peter, Gregory and David Staas, Carolyn Withers Cokes, Rebecca and Hannah Withers, Katherine, Elizabeth and Rosemary Schindler, Daniel Hayes and Gretchen LaSalle; and several nieces and nephews. Brother Robert U. Jr., and sister, Anne H. Huppuch died before him.

Calling hours are from 4-6 p.m. on July 27 at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service Inc., 35 College St., Clinton. A Memorial Service is at 10 a.m. on July 28, 2012, in St. James’ Episcopal Church, William St., Clinton, with burial in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Donations may be considered to the Community Foundation for the Kirkland Fellowship Fund. www.owenspavlotrogers.com