Keith L. Hayman, Sr., age 92, of Bloomsburg, died on Sunday afternoon, January 26, 2014 under the care of Columbia Montour Home Hospice at Maria Hall in Danville. Keith was a resident of his home in Lime Ridge since 1987 and was a prior resident of the Buckhorn area.
Keith was born on Friday, August 12, 1921 in New Columbus, Luzerne County, a son of the late Lawrence and Neva (Williams) Hayman. Keith completed his education after graduating from the Benton High School in 1939. On July 22 1944, Keith enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps where he served his county faithfully as a Second Lieutenant Bombardier aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress with the 8th Air Force Division during the Rhineland Campaign. On October 3, 1945, Keith was honorably discharged from his time of service and received the commendations of the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with one Battle Star and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Prior to enlisting in the war, Keith met and married his loving wife, Florence R. Mowrey. Throughout his younger years, Keith spent his time working on the family farm and with private contractors on the construction of Interstate Route 80 and 81. Most recently, Keith was employed by Kawneer in the Custom Door Department for many years until his retirement. He was a faithful member of the Lime Ridge United Methodist Church for many years. He was also a dedicated attendee of the Berwick Retirement Senior Center. Keith always had a very special talent for raising African Violets and making many custom woodworking projects.
On July 9, 2010, Keith was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, the late Florence R. (Mowrey) Hayman. Keith was also preceded in death by a son: Keith L. Hayman, Jr. on August 23, 1984, and a brother: Frank Dean Hayman.
Survivors include a son: Kenneth W. Hayman and wife, Sharon, of Catawissa; a daughter: Kathy Finsel and husband, Timothy, of Bloomsburg; ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; a sister: Carol Hale and husband, James, of Phoenix, AZ; a brother: Milton Don Hayman of Denver, CO; close friend and companion: Ruth McHenry; and close friend and neighbor: Francis Kester both of Bloomsburg.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening, January 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral services will begin on Friday morning, January 31 at 10 a.m. in the Lime Ridge United Methodist Church, 6405 Old Berwick Road, Bloomsburg with his pastor, Rev. Terry J. Brosious, officiating. Graveside committal services with full Military Honors provided by a combined VFW/American Legion Group will immediately follow in the Kulp United Methodist Church Cemetery, Roaring Creek Township.
Memorial contributions in Keith's name are suggested to: Columbia Montour Home Hospice at Maria Hall, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.