It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles "Buddy" David Hayes, who left us on April 2, 2026. Born on April 21, 1949, to the late Robert Wayne Hayes and Juanita "Sissy" Mae Townsend. Buddy was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and adored great-grandfather. He lived a life full of love, laughter, and generosity, leaving an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Buddy shared 50 incredible years of marriage with the love of his life Jackie Mae Hord Hayes. Their partnership was a true testament to devotion, respect, and unwavering support. Together, they nurtured a family filled with joy, laughter, and countless memories. He is survived by his children, Travis Hayes (Kelli) and Ashly Harris (Joey) of North Carolina; seven grandchildren- Tucker (Sydney) Hayes, Jaylee Hayes, Lane Webb, Levi Webb, Logan Webb, Josey Harris, and Ashton Harris; and one beloved great-granddaughter, Clara Jane Hayes, who he adored as the light of his life. Buddy's love for his family knew no bounds- he celebrated every milestone, cheered the loudest at every event, and delighted in the simple moments of joy with each grandchild.

He is also survived by his brother Michael Wayne Hayes (Peggy), and extended family including Angie and Dan Frye, Todd and Stacey Humerickhouse, Amie and Matt Allen, Abbie and Ben Loving as well as Wyatt and Aubrie Frye, Henry and Hattie Humerickhouse, Brady, Ava, and Mattox Allen, and Jayden and Grayson Loving.

A 1967 graduate of Bloomfield High School, Buddy's life was not only defined by his devotion to his family but by his service to his country. As a Vietnam veteran, he earned the Bronze Star for bravery and exemplified courage, honor, and selflessness throughout his life. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 196, VFW, and the Masonic Lodge. He touched the lives of countless friends and fellow veterans with his warmth, loyalty, and generosity.

Buddy had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. He never met a stranger and approached life a gentle humor, and listening ear, and a kind heart. His days were often filled with coaching, golfing, fishing, playing cards, telling stories, and sharing endless laughter with family and friends. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, whether celebrating birthdays, attending dance recitals, cheering at sporting events, or simply enjoying sipping a cold Pepsi on the porch with one of them. He and Jackie traveled tirelessly to ensure no special moment was missed, always putting family first and creating memories that will be cherished forever.

He taught those around him the importance of love, generosity, and humility. His example inspired his children and grandchildren to live with integrity, compassion, and joy in the small things. Buddy was a man who gave without expectation, loved without condition, and lived a life the truly mattered.

They say someone's life can be measured by the dash between the day you are born and the day you leave this world. If that's true, Buddy's dash was extraordinary. It was filled with laughter, love, service, sacrifice, and countless acts of kindness. The lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he shared will continue to inspire all who knew him. Buddy gave us so much to remember, and his presence though incredibly missed will forever echo in our hearts.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Jenkins Funeral Home in Bloomfield to honor Buddy's remarkable life and enduring legacy. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions can be the American Legion Post 196.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the team at I.U. Health including Dr Lei, Dr Doyle, Dr Ferguson, and to all the wonderful nurses, for all their loving care and kindness throughout this journey.

We lost a warrior last week. He didn't intend to be a warrior he planned to be son, a brother, a husband and a dad. Buddy Hayes didn't want to be a warrior, he wanted to be little boy with curly hair, walking to his grandparents for lunch, walking home from school, playing little league and hanging out with lifelong friends. Buddy's warrior years began when he made the Bloomfield basketball team. Buddy loved basketball, he was pretty good in fact, he was a warrior on the court. In those days (the 60's) Uncle Sam was looking for warriors and he wanted Buddy Hayes! In no time, the curly headed kid with the great smile was off the court and in the jungle.

We don't know much about those warrior days in the jungle but we know he did what he was asked to do because he not only came home alive but with a bronze star. A military honor for warriors who have exhibited perhaps unimaginable bravery.

Those thousands of kids who left football fields and basketball courts to protect America came home to find a different world.

For many, Buddy included, the next few years were a different battle. Combating the nightmares, assimilating into a changing world, finding employment and building a family. It didn't come easy but in time it all came together. The warrior was conquering, he had his wife, Jackie, his son, Travis and his daughter, Ashly.

The curly headed kid was back at the baseball diamonds, the basketball courts, wherever a proud dad could be.

When the health issues reared their ugly head, the warrior fought to give up alcohol, when his heart became a problem, the warrior beat the nicotine habit.

When cancer came to the warrior's door some years back, his family rallied, his friends gathered and with that support he defeated the evil cancer.

Buddy slowed a bit, he enjoyed his grandchildren and again he was in the stands for all their athletic accomplishments.

In the fall of 2025, the mighty warrior was attacked again. A rare cancer, basically untreatable, a death sentence but the warrior wasn't ready. Buddy fought the good fight, he suffered through the treatments, the transfusions and the indignities of cancer. Bud stood proud to dance with Jackie at their 50th wedding anniversary, he smiled from ear to ear at Christmas with his great-granddaughter, he cheered his beloved IU Hoosiers to a National Championship.

Last Thursday, our mighty warrior lost his battle but it can be said with great pride he fought it to the bitter end! RIP BUDDY HAYES❤️