Stanley C.F. Hayes was born in Ashford Township, Wisconsin in 1921. He received degrees from North Central College and the Evangelical Theological Seminary. Ordained as an Evangelical United Brethren minister in 1952, he served parishes throughout Wisconsin until 1998. Pastor Hayes is a member of the Trust Company, a vocal ensemble that began in 1946 with five Evangelical United Brethren (now United Methodist) clergy as members. Besides writing poetry, Pastor Hayes enjoys gardening, bowling and woodworking. He has been married to his wife, Vallanee, since 1944. They are the parents of seven children, grandparents of nine and great-grandparents of three.