Arthur “Art” Chester Hayes

07/20/1947- 10/07/2026

Arthur “Art” Chester Hayes Jr., 79, of Ellettsville, Indiana, passed away October 7, 2026. He was born July 20, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Arthur Chester Hayes Sr. and Miriam Elizabeth (Peck) Hayes.

Art married Sherry Sue Schultz on August 23, 1975, and together they built a life centered around family. They shared more than 50 years of marriage before Sherry's passing on March 10, 2026.

Art served his country in the United States Army Reserve from October 1966 to February 1972. He spent the majority of his working life at General Electric, where he worked in the paint department.

Art enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan who loved cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University men's basketball, and IU football. He also enjoyed working with his hands, whether maintaining his own vehicles, woodworking in the garage, or tackling home improvement projects. Art and Sherry shared a love of traveling, particularly taking cruises together.

He is survived by his children Matthew Hayes (Amanda) of Columbus, Patrick Hayes (Sarah) of Bloomington, and Nicole O’Malley-Hayes (Lacy) of Ellettsville. He is also survived by his grandchildren Destiny Hayes, Evy Hayes, Aria Hayes, Logan Hayes, Elliot Hayes, Lucinda Flick (Collin), Estelle Ryhal, Guage Poindexter, Taylor Breeden, and Natalie Godsey (Devin) of Ellettsville; and great-grandchildren Daisy Flick, Nadine Flick, Hailynn Godsey, and Cedar Breeden.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sherry Sue Hayes; his parents, Arthur Chester Hayes Sr. and Miriam Elizabeth (Peck) Hayes; and his son Nicolas Hayes.

A celebration of life for Art will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Friendly Recreation Building in McCormick's Creek State Park, Spencer, Indiana. All who knew Art are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that attendees consider bringing canned food donations or making a donation to Pantry 279, a local food pantry serving the surrounding communities.