James Hayes

James D. Hayes, 82, of Van Wert, died at 4:38 p.m. Sunday, January 10, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born August 16, 1933, in Mercer County, the son of C. "Meredith" and Reba (Miller) Hayes, who both preceded him in death. He married Alice J. (Driver) Hayes, who survives in Van Wert. Other survivors include four children, Melinda Hayes of Tucson, Arizona, Mitchell D. Hayes of Celina, Eric D. (Janeen) Hayes of Beaverdam, Wisconsin, and Beth A. (Donald) Rieger of Stow; five grandchildren, Dylan (Alicia) Hayes, Colt (Amy) Hayes, Joel Farmer, Leo Rieger, and Eleanor Rieger; and three great-grandchildren, Isabella, Hudson, and Rediker Hayes. A daughter, Deborah Hayes; and one sister, Janice Bishop, also preceded him in death. Mr. Hayes was a design engineer who retired from Phillips in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1990 after 30 years of service. He also was a farmer for most of his life. He was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church and Elks Lodge 1197, both in Van Wert, and graduated from Neptune High School. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 16, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Clark Williman officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert. Calling hours are from 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 15, at the funeral home. Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.