Olan Harold Hayes, 85, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at his home in Muncie, IN.

Olan was born December 11, 1932 in Fentress County, TN to Otis and Maggie (Pennycuff) Hayes. He attended school and worked as a farm hand in Tennessee before joining the U.S. Navy in 1951. He is a veteran of the Korean War.

Olan relocated to Muncie in 1955 and began a 35 year career working for Delco Battery, retiring in 1990. He married Mary Ruth Burke in 1959 and would remain married to her until her death in 1998.

Olan was a dedicated family man, good neighbor, friend to all who knew him, devout believer in Christ, and long-suffering fan of the Cleveland Indians. He pursued many new interests in retirement. He ran as a candidate for Democrat committeeman of his precinct. He completed the 2004 500 Festival Mini Marathon in Indianapolis. He took computer classes at Ivy Tech.

Mr. Hayes enjoyed travelling, including bicycle trips with his son to the Grand Canyon and numerous Civil War battlefields.  He was active with various Delaware County Veterans organizations.  Olan also made many contributions to slot machines in Las Vegas and other casinos, occasionally getting a few winnings for his efforts.

He is survived by his son Steven Harold Hayes, daughter-in-law Jamie B. Shraluka, and granddaughter Matilda J. Hayes, all of Indianapolis as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ruth, and five brothers; Shirley P Hayes, Paul Hayes, and Marion D. Hayes of Jamestown, TN, and Ernest Shelley Hayes and Eugene S. Hayes of Muncie.

Memorial contributions in Olan's name can be made to his granddaughter's 529 college fund at Ugift529.com using the code N9L-622.