Jacob Clare Hanes

Jacob “JC, Jay” Clare Hanes, 92, of Caro passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community surrounded by his family. Jay was born on September 2, 1933, in Caro, the son of the late Clare and Marie (Odell) Hanes. Jay was a 1951 graduate of Caro High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Airforce and served from 1953 to 1957 with an honorable discharge. He was stationed on Long Island, NY, and in Clermont, France. After discharge he attended the Cliff Mann School of Floral Design in Denver, Colorado. He was a professional floral decorator working in Midland, Michigan and Sarasota, Florida.

Jay is survived by brothers, Lee Hanes and Roland (Mickey) Hanes; and sister, Evelyn White; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by brother, Paul Hanes, brother-in-law, L. James White, and sisters-in-law, Connie Hanes and Nancy Hanes.

Funeral services for Jay will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Sutton Sunshine Church, 2988 N Colwood Rd, Caro, MI 48723, with Rev. Jim Butler presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, with a luncheon to follow at the church. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to the Tuscola County Medical Care Community Forget-Me-Nots or Sutton Sunshine Church. As per Jay’s wishes, cremation is to take place, with a committal service to be announced at a later date.