Richard E. Hayes passed from this life on Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was born in Bellefontaine on March 10, 1933, the son of the late Walter S. Hayes and Mary B. Copp Hayes.

Family and loved ones surviving him include longtime companion, Ruth E. Hughes of Bellefontaine; a son, Edward (Pat) Hayes of Belleville Illinois; sisters Betty Hayes (Keith) Jackson of Pembroke Pines, Florida; and Carol Hayes (Frank) O�Rielley of Bellefontaine; nieces Debbie Hayes (Willis) Payne of Bellefontaine; and Michelle (Steve) Robertson of Orlando, Florida; a grandson and granddaughter; one great grandchild, many nieces and nephews and a cherished friend, Bob (Lori) Gietzen.

He was retired from Siemens Energy and Automation.

Richard was a veteran of the Korean War. He was also a lifetime member of the BPO Elks 132, lifetime member of the American Legion 173, member of EAA, USUA, EA, ASC, ASCC, and APOA. An avid aviation enthusiast all his life, he enjoyed piloting and flying with a passion. It was one of his greatest joys. Richard loved life and helping others, doing whatever he could on various projects for friends and family. He was a graduate of Bellefontaine High School in 1951.

There will be a graveside memorial service on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at 3:30 P.M. in the Philadelphia Cemetery, Union Township, Bellefontaine. Father Patrick Sheridan and Pastor Gene Marine are officiating. Military services will be conducted by the Logan County Honor Guard.

At Richard�s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to local organizations that benefit underprivileged children and elderly; and the Salvation Army.

Online condolences to the family may be expressed from www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com