Obituary for Leland E. Hayes

Leland E. Hayes, age 78, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life full of love, service, and joy.

Leland was born on July 24, 1946, in Cypress Inn, Tennessee. Leland was the son of the late Clarence and Reba Hayes. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Alexis Cassidee Hayes; his brother, Lloyd C. Hayes; and his sisters, Vida Price and Betty Jean Brown. Leland proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the 9th Infantry Division from April 1966 to January 1968.

Leland's love story with his wife, Rachel (Kramer), began on February 15, 1968, in Tampa, Florida, when, after meeting that very night, he asked for her hand in marriage. Their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage just six weeks later, on March 29, 1968, in Tampa. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage, raising a beautiful family.

A devoted member of the Jehovah's Witness Organization, Leland found joy in spending time with his family, who were always his greatest passion. His playful nature was contagious, often expressed through his silly songs, including his iconic rendition of George of the Jungle and his beloved "chicken and bones" song that became family favorites. Throughout his life, Leland also had a fondness for drawing his famous chicken on his children and grandchildren's hands, an endearing quirk that will forever be cherished by his loved ones.

Leland had a fulfilling career, retiring after 35 years of service at GTE. In his retirement, he found peace and purpose in his gardens, tending to flowers with the same care and attention he gave to all things he loved. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including tractor rides, scooter rides, pheasant hunting, camping trips with his children, and watching his favorite western shows especially Gunsmoke.

Leland is survived by his beloved wife, Rachel Lois Hayes; their children, Deanna Stump and Dawn Smith of Elkhart, Bonita (Brad) Lehman of Houston, TX, Brandy (Paul) Wolf of Duncan, SC, Reba (Saul) Quintos Reyes of Houston, TX, and Kerensa (Leo) Haney of Tallahassee, FL; 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Mildred Ward and Linda Hayes of Elkhart, IN, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN, followed by the funeral service at 4:00 pm

In this time of grief, Leland's family takes comfort in the many cherished memories they shared with him, knowing that his love, laughter, and warmth will forever live on in their hearts.


Memorials may be given to:  Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana https://donate.rmhccin.org/give/399475/#!/donation/checkout