H. Donald Hayes

H. Donald "Smoke" Hayes, 70, of Robinson, IL, passed away on November 16, 2022, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. He was born on May 2, 1952, outside of Robinson, one of eleven children born to Lyle & Deloris (Stewart) Hayes. The story goes that his three-year-old big sister started calling him "Smoky", a name that would stick with him for the rest of his life.

Growing up, he watched his father work out in the fields as a farmer, instilling in him a passion for farming as well as a picture of what it means to give your all to provide for your family. And that's exactly what Smoke Hayes did. Though he worked for the City of Palestine for a time and Briggs Pottery for a number of years, he eventually decided to follow in his dad's footsteps by working for several area farmers.

His 40-year career as a farmhand led to a deep appreciation of antique tractors. In fact, time at home often found him reading antique tractor magazines, and if there was an antique tractor show nearby, chances were that you'd see Smoke there! He also enjoyed drag races, having watched several alongside his son, Bill.

It was evident that family meant everything to Smoke. Specifically, he was head-over-heels in love with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to the point that mere pictures of them would bring tears to his eyes. Yes, he was rough around the edges, but time and again, he proved to have a big heart. Though we grieve in our own loss, we do not do so as those without hope. Instead, we'll put our trust in Jesus, just like Smoke did, knowing that, by the grace of God, we'll see this dear man again.

He married Cynthia "Cindy" Roberts on August 1, 1970, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Bill Hayes and Trish Earleywine; his grandchildren, Jordan Earleywine & Jeremy Jackson, Israel & Brianna Earleywine, Garrett & Sydney Hayes, Colton Hayes & Emily Knecht, and Keller Hayes; by his great-grandchildren, Violet, Benny, Ava, Jaliyah, Jeremiah, (and three on the way!); by his siblings & their spouses, Linda Cafin, Darlene & Steve Woosley, and Rick & Candy Hayes; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lyle Jr., Marie, Ruth, C.R., Elva D., Roger D., and L. Mike; and his parents-in-law, Charles W. & Edytha Roberts.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with Pastor Ray Piersall officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorials may be made to the Crawford County Christian Center "4Cs", with envelopes available at the funeral home.