Thomas “Tom” R. Hayhurst, age 94, of Marion, went to be with the Lord, Friday evening, August 21, 2015, at the Kingston Residence of Marion.
Tom was born on April 30, 1921 in Woodson, Illinois. He was the son of Harold R. and Lillian (Young) Hayhurst. He attended Woodson High School for 3 years and Jacksonville High School for 1 year. After high school, Tom had an extensive education that included schooling at the University of Illinois, Bellville Junior College, Kent State and the Ohio State University graduating with a Masters Degree in Education. He also had training in radio and TV transmitters and receivers and an international correspondence school.
He was a tremendous provider for his family. He served in several capacities and places over his working career, including serving as Vice President of Production at the J.F. Imbs Milling Company and later on shaping young minds by serving as a faculty member at the Knox County Vocational School where he taught electronics and industrial electricity.
Tom proudly served his county during World War II in the United States Army AirCorps. He was a Staff Sgt. in charge of the 4th Echelon Maintenance of Airborne Electronic Maintenance to new crews taking over fighters and bombers.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Tom went home to marry the love of his life, Viola “Vi” Smith on September 10, 1945. Together they shared 67 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on March 2, 2013.
Tom had a deep faith and was a devoted member of the Mt. Vernon Avenue Church of Christ. He served in many ways over the years as Elder, Sunday School teacher, church treasurer and Missions Committee member.
He enjoyed being an Amateur Radio operator, belonging to the Marion Amateur Radio Club. He also collected coins and counseled boy scouts in the art of electronics.
He was a member of the Marion Senior Center and the Retired Teachers Association.
Tom will be dearly missed by his two children: Kay (Eli) Salinas of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Don (Tammy) Hayhurst of Marion; five grandchildren: Chris (Kristen) Keeran, Heather Keeran, Anthony (Stacey) Hayhurst, Tara (Mike) Roth, and Holly (Clayton) Hershner; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents including his step-mother Ethel Hayhurst; one infant brother and 3 half-brothers: Dean, Robert and Kenny Hayhurst.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 26, 2015 at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 East Center St., Marion from 11AM to 1PM; Funeral services will immediately follow at 1PM with Pastor David DiPietro officiating; Burial will be held at the Marion Cemetery with military honors being observed.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Mt. Vernon Avenue Church of Christ or the Kindred at Home Hospice.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the exceptional care that Tom received from the Kingston Residence of Marion along with the Kindred at Home Hospice and Dr. Mark Davis’ office.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Tom’s family and your condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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