"Bud" Hayes

"Bud" Forrest Emerson Hayes, 88, of Rockford, Ohio, died Sunday, June 5, 2011 at Community Health Professionals Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center. Bud was born July 2, 1922 in Mercer County, Ohio to Forest and Ellen (Foor) Hayes. On September 8, 1946, he married Betty Karnehm, who survives in Rockford. Surviving in addition to his wife, Betty, are three children: Craig (Heidi) Hayes, Phoenix, Arizona; Deb (Steve) Knapke, Rockford, and Curtis "Pete" (Twyla) Hayes, also of Rockford. Also surviving are a sister, Margaret (Jerry) Baucher, a sister-in-law, Gretchen Hayes, all of Celina. Eleven grandchildren survive: Kelly, Scott, Jason, Jeremy, Jared, Nicholas (Elizabeth), and Ethan Hayes, and Dusty (Melissa), Darin, Danny, and Dee Dee Knapke. Bud was a graduate of Rockford High School, class of 1940. He was an active member of the Olive Branch Church of God, Ohio City, for over 50 years, where he had taught Sunday School. He was a lifelong farmer and was named Conservation Farmer of the year in 1984. He enlisted in the army and was a veteran of WWII, having served in the European theater in the occupation of France. He was a member of the Rockford American Legion Post #508 for over 60 years, and was a charter member of the Rockford Lions Club. Services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, June 10, 2011, at Olive Branch Church of God, Ohio City, Ohio, with Pastor Steve Waterman officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Rockford. Friends may call at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-8 pm and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Olive Branch Church of God. [photosmash id=51]