Joseph Lynn "Joe" Hayes (February 18, 1930 – February 16, 2018) was an American civil engineer, lobbyist, politician and surveyor. Joe Hayes was born in Bakersfield, Missouri to Norman "Darby" and Dicy Hayes. His uncle, Herman Cotter, worked throughout the Territory of Alaska during World War II and convinced the Hayes family to accompany him and his family in their move to Alaska. Making the trip in June 1946, they were among the first civilians to travel the Alaska Highway. The Hayes family settled in Anchorage, where he graduated from Anchorage High School the following year.