Danny Dee Hayes, 84, of Silver Lake, Indiana, died at 12:47 pm, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on July 11, 1940, in Grant County, Indiana, to Gerald and Mary (Fox) Hayes.
Danny was a 1958 graduate of Somerset High School, and then went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Indiana University. He was a US Army veteran. Danny worked several years at Wabash Alloys, and was a retired truck driver. He was a member of the Somerset Lions Club, and the American Legion Post 15, Hanna Masonic Lodge, and Elks Lodge all in Wabash. Danny enjoyed boating, poker, NASCAR, and visiting with people. He was an avid Indiana University basketball, Green Bay Packers, and Jimmy Buffett fan. Danny enjoyed wintering and living the life in the Florida Keys. He loved his special K-9 friends, Hoosier and Sammy.
He is survived by his life partner of 39 years, Myra Smith of Silver Lake, son, Erik (Katrina) Hayes of Wabash, two grandsons, Matthew (Carly) Hayes and Jakob Hayes, both of Wabash, two brothers, Buddy (Marilyn) Hayes of Huntington, Indiana, Jerry Hayes of Lincolnville, Indiana, sister, Carla Gaines of Lincolnville, and his bonus daughter, Trisha (Greg) Scheible of Indianapolis, Indiana, bonus grandchildren; Colleen (Bryce) Hill of Fort Wayne, Claire (Tucker) Walden of Zionsville, Indiana, and Cole Scheible of Indianapolis, and one bonus great-grandson, Noble Hill, of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Kay Slagal.
A celebration of life open house will be held at the Woman's Club House, 770 W. Hill Street, Wabash, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025. A memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m., with Isaac Beatty officiating.
Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.
Preferred memorial is Animal Shelter of Wabash County.
The memorial guest book for Danny may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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