Richard Lee Hayes

Submitted by Ochs-Tetrick Funeral Home

Richard Lee Hayes, 84, of Salem, IN (formerly of Orleans, IN) was surrounded by family as he left his earthly body and was welcomed into Heaven’s gates on May 28, 2026.

Richard was born on February 22, 1942, in Lawrence County, Indiana, the second child of Freddie and Dorothy (Hunter) Hayes. On August 26, 1960 he married his high school sweetheart, Janice Lee (Chatham) Hayes, who survives.

He attended Leipsic School and later graduated from Orleans High School in 1960, where he played basketball. Richard and Janice raised four wonderful children on their farm, where many early mornings and late nights were spent in the barns tending to hogs and cattle. Richard worked for 29 years at Carpenter Body Works in Mitchell building school buses until the company closed its doors. He then worked another five years at Paoli, Inc. before retiring. While raising their children, Richard was actively involved in their 4-H animal projects and activities.Through their four children, Richard and Janice were blessed with thirteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Richard was an avid IU fan and loved NASCAR racing. He thought it amusing to pull the car over while driving his grandchildren around to show off his talent for calling cows. His grandchildren remember him for paying out money for home runs, munching on vanilla wafers and peppermints, and mastering the art of making the perfect pot of mashed potatoes during holiday meals. He also taught several family members to work smarter, not harder, by drying his car with a leaf blower.

He was a faithful lifelong member and served as a deacon at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for many years. Faith and family were the strong foundations he always held onto. Richard fiercely loved his family and his church. His great blessings were to watch his family accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. One of Richard’s most cherished memories was singing the hymn, He Touched Me, with Janice while their grandchildren sang alongside them one Sunday morning.

In addition to his loving wife, Janice, Richard is survived by his children: Renee (Greg) Lamb of Salem, Indiana; John (Jana) Hayes of Salem, Indiana; Gina (Chuck) Walker of Salem, Indiana; and Robin (Jeff) Berning of Orleans, Indiana.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nicole (Zach) Motsinger, Collin (Kristyn) Hayes, Logan (Olivia) Walker, Courtney (Clay) Carpenter, Chelsea (Andrew) Ross, Bailey (Christian) Evans, Brittney (Cade) Powers, Bryce Berning, Kaden Berning, Kyle (Media) Lewandowski, Tyler (Mikey) Lewandowski, Cassie (Justin) Surface, and Lauren (Joel) Butler.

Also cherishing his memory are his 18 beloved great-grandchildren: Hadley, Easton, and Adeline Motsinger; Ella Hayes; Aria and Camley Walker; Clayton and Charlie Hayes Carpenter; Blakely and Baylor Evans; Raiden and Baby Powers; Luke and Macey Lewandowski; Brooks Lewandowski; Josiah Surface; and Jacob and Lynnlee Butler.

Richard is also survived by his sister, Nancy Slone; sisters-in-law, Betty Brinkworth, Carole Graham, and Margie Williams; and several nieces and nephews.

Waiting to welcome Richard into Heaven were his parents, Freddie and Dorothy Hayes; his older brother, John Hayes; his grandparents, Orange and Effie Hunter and Delbert and Meda Hayes; and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Orleans, IN with Pastor Jared Hardin officiating. A private burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on Monday. Pallbearers will be Collin Hayes, Logan Walker, Bryce Berning, Kaden Berning, Kyle Lewandowski, Tyler Lewandowski, Luke Lewandowski, and Easton Motsinger. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.