Richard Michael Hayes

Birth date: Apr 20, 1942 Death date: Oct 12, 2025

Richard Michael Hayes, 83, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Peoria, IL. He was born to Lois & Richard Hayes in Lincoln, IL on April 20, 1942. Mike was a 1960 graduate of Lincoln High School where he was a Read Obituary

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Tom Benford

1w ago

Mike brought our daughter Andrea from Phoenix to Decatur to play for the Decatur Lady Pride Softball Team. We came back several times to watch the team play and I was always amazed how Mike had those girls all from different locations worldwide come together as a team and play. That year they played for the Women's Major 1A Championship against and with several players that went to the Olympics. I was always thankful for the opportunity Mike gave Andrea. As time passed we became friends and Mike and Pan would visit with us when they came to visit family in the Phoenix area. I know he will be missed but with his condition he is in a much better place and maybe even coaching girls in the best sport of all. Tom Benford

Debbie L.

6w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Richard.

A vibrant green tree flourishes in a sunny area, showcasing thick leaves and a sturdy trunk.

Plant a tree

Jana Weber

6w ago

Mike was my softball coach in the mid 1980’s and I became Mike and Pam’s cleaning lady around 2019 or so. As Mike’s mobility and memory declined I told him I could bring my tuning fork over and give him a “tune up”. He had no idea what a tuning fork even was but was in agreement. The next time I came over I brought my tuning fork and worked on his upper body and he was quite interested in how this all worked. I explained it to him and although he thought it was “woo-woo” he asked me to bring it back next time. We had many sessions after that along with some good laughs. You are now perfectly tuned my friend and will be greatly missed!
Love Red-on-the-head

Jana Weber

6w ago

I have known Mike for many years. He was my softball coach in the mid 1980’s and I became their cleaning lady around 2019 or so. As Mike started to have some difficulties with his mobility and memory I told him I could bring my tuning fork over and give him a “tune -up”. He had no idea what it was but was in agreement so on my next cleaning day I got out my tuning fork and began running it along his upper body and when I was done he asked me to bring “that thing” back next time and so I would give him a “tune up” every time I came over to visit or clean. It became a regular thing for a while. He will be greatly missed and is now perfectly tuned. Love you Mike.