Richard D. Hayes

Richard D. Hayes

Richard D. Hayes, age 82 of Albion, Pa., passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023 at home.  

He was born January 5, 1941 in Franklin Twp., the son of the late Robert L. and Thelma B. (Lawrence) Hayes.  Richard attended the Rice Avenue Union High School.  His first real job was pushing that mower up Whiteman Hill and the Model Works.

He and his best friend joined the Army  in 1961-1964 and were sent to Fort Knox and then shipped off to Korea.  When he came back to the USA, his mother led him straight off to the Federated Church were he met up with his wife, Dottie Weyneth. They were married 57 years with remarriage at 25 and 50th anniversary dates.  So, believe it or not, Richard was wed to the same woman three times.  Living in the small town idealic life, he became the proud father of two sons.  Brian and Shawn.  Grandfather to Ashley and Great-Grandfather to Madi, Ellie and Bryson.  Being a grandfather was his crowning glory with the cherry on top of life.  Although his Great-grandchildren all called him “Grumpy Papa”, he had a heart of gold to share with them all.  

Through it all, Richard loved to travel; especially Tennessee.  He pedaled his (***) all over Albion and participated at the Albion Fair with his Fairbank Morse Hit and Miss Engines.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making maple syrup, trick and treating, and cruising in his pride and joy, 1955 Chevy Truck to car shows.  Richard enjoyed life and having a lot of fun.  On a serious note, he did work from time to time.  He worked at General Electric, the old Texaco Station in Girard and retired after 36 years from PHB.  His true character shines through living up to his nickname, “Gabby Hayes.”  His favorite saying was “when you stop talkin, they’ll shut the lid on you.” 

Richard is survived by his wife, Dottie (Weyeneth); son, Shawn (Tom Landfried), Granddaughter, Ashley (Zack Switzer) and Great Grandchildren, Madi, Ellie and Bryson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Hayes on April 2, 2023; a sister, Janet Raffensberger and a nephew, Jack Raffensberger and his parents, Robert and Thelma Hayes.

Friends and Family may call on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home, with burial following at Springfield Cemetery with Military Honors, East Springfield, Pa. www.jeanevansthompsonfh.com

In lieu of flowers,  “Plant a tree in place of me.  He who plants a tree plants hope, plants joy, plants peace, plants love”  (written by American poet – Lucy Larcom)