Bill Hayes, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family at 3:03 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.
He was born on January 2, 1964, in Monmouth, the son of Bill and Beverly Hayes.
He married Susan Harler on October 20, 1984, in Galesburg. He is survived by his daughter, Lindsey (Josh) Corbin, and the loves of his life, granddaughter Audrey and grandson Benjamin, all of Galesburg. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Becky and Jim Clark, nephews Nate (Jessica and Payton) Townsend, John Clark, and honorary daughter Emma Devlin. Also surviving are two sisters, Sabrena and Gwen, and nephews Jason, Patrick, Kason, and Nathan.
Bill graduated from Galesburg High School in 1982. He worked a lifetime in sales for JC Penney, Coca Cola, and Walmart. He owned The Pet Stop in Galesburg where he catered to the pets of the community. After his declining health last year, he retired after 23 years as territorial vice president of Straightshot Express, an expedited shipping company in Eldridge, Iowa. He loved all of his jobs and made many friends over the years.
After marrying Susan, he found a love for raising dogs. They traveled extensively campaigning and showing Beagles. Many wonderful memories were made as he and Susan loved to travel to Door County, Branson, attending Gaither concerts, and many other places. He loved attending all of Lindsey’s events and continued to do the same with Audrey while his health allowed him. One thing he loved more than anything was to hear Lindsey sing, and he always had a smile and a glimmer in his eye while he listened.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. He also enjoyed singing in the men’s ensemble, The Messengers, and the Buchanan Community Chorus. He was a 33-year member of the Alpha Masonic Lodge #155, member of the Galesburg Kiwanis Club, and served as Galesburg 5th Ward Alderman.
Cremation will be accorded. The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. A memorial service will follow the visitation at noon at the chapel. Friends of the family, Dr. J. Keith Zimmerman and Rev. Janice Griffith, will be officiating. Rev. Deb Epley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Galesburg, will also be participating. Cremation burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.
Memorials can be made to the family to establish an education fund for Audrey and Benjamin. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
