Dwight David Hayes, 81 of Columbus, IN and formerly of LaCrosse and Lynn, IN, went home to be with the Lord on February 27, 2024 after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was born December 13th, 1942, in LaCrosse, IN. to Philip and Lida Benham Hayes. He graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1961. Dwight worked at Thermogas (Lynn, IN), Harvest Land Co-op (Lynn, IN), and Rightway Fasteners (Columbus, IN). He and Carol owned the IGA in Lynn from 1981 to 1983. Dwight was a member of the Lynn Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Lynn Lions Club. Dwight was a current member of Grace Lutheran Church (Columbus, IN). He enjoyed spending time traveling with Carol, fishing, and enjoying time with his grand and great-grandchildren.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 60 years, Carol Sue (Welkie) Hayes, whom he married on February 1, 1964 at St. John's EV Lutheran Church in Wanatah, IN; son, Greg (Krista) Hayes of Lynn, IN; daughter, Julie (Mike) Bushong of Montezuma, IA; grandchildren: Chastity Bushong of De Moines, IA, Joshua (Nicole) Hayes of Freetown, IN, Shawn Van Rheenen (Brook Blackwell) of Oskaloosa, IA, Christopher (Jaclyn) Hayes of Williamsburg, IN, Jamie (Tommy) Van Renterghem of Oskaloosa, IA, John Bedel of Lynn, IN, Matthew (Briena) Bedel of Connersville, IN, and Kalee Hayes of Lynn, IN; great-grandchildren: Jace Towne, Brooklyn Hayes, AJ Axsom, Dakota Hayes, Banx and Bond Blackwell, Addyson and Easton Hayes, Layton, Caroline, and Gatlin Van Renterghem, Hunter Yarbrough, Graham and Spencer Ferguson, and Alayna Bedel; great-great-grandchildren, Everleigh and (soon to be) Blakeleigh Temple; bonus family: Diane, Tom, Emmett, Dalton, and Alice Doddridge; and many, many Special nieces, nephews, and friends. Dwight was proceeded in death by his parents; in laws, Kenneth and Ruth Welkie; and siblings: Grant Hayes, LaVerne Martin, Marie Dewey, Eunice Trumbo, Marguerite Bryarly, Inez Jenks, Eugene Hayes, Stanley Hayes, Earl Hayes, Edith Pratt, Herbert Hayes, and Robert Hayes.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 15496 S. 900 W., Wanatah, IN, with a service beginning at 11:00 AM with Pastor John Armstrong officiating. Burial to follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Wanatah, IN. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church’s General Fund or St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Cemetery Fund.
GUESTBOOK
We will miss Dwight's lively conversations and fun family times together. Loving memories of meeting at Indiana Beach, Las Vegas and at the Welkie farm will stay with us forever. Our love and prayers to Carol, Julie, Greg and their families. -Norm and Joyce Welkie
Carol, Our mutual friend, Arlene, informed me of Dwight's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I regret that we lost contact over the years, and wanted to express my condolences through this guest book with the hope that we can re-connect. I find it interesting that we got married a few months apart (I was honored to be your attendant) and now have lost our husbands a few months apart. Ron passed away on November 25, 2023. My thoughts are with you as we both begin this new journey without our life partners. -Patt (Freese) Johnson
