Dennis J. Hayhurst

On January 5th, Dennis (Denny, Rootbeer) Hayhurst, age 70, joined his parents and other loved ones in a joyous reunion in HEAVEN, at Seidman Cancer Center UH Hospital in Cleveland, after a brief courageous battle with leukemia that led to multi organ failure, his partner Nina Johnson, his son Justin, and his granddaughter Crystal by his side. He fought bravely to his last breath.

He was born on May 25, 1954 in Canton, and attended school as a Canton South Wildcat class of ‘73. He retired from the Timken Company where he was employed for 37 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ruth (Baad) Hayhurst, his brother Jeff Hayhurst, a great-granddaughter Taveah Macey, former partner Brenda Macey, former wife Jude (Morgan) Lynch, and too many cousins, bandmates, and friends to mention them all. Also his closest friend, Rick Cotrell.

Those left to celebrate and cherish his legacy are his partner, whom he took as his forever in a commitment ceremony on July 8, 2023, Nina (Valentine) Johnson, his son Justin (Heather) Hayhurst, stepson Brian (Regina) Macey, grandchildren, Kaylynn Hayhurst, Crystal and Stephanie Macey, Michael Barrett, and Taylor Griffith-Barrett; great-grandchildren, Brayton and Brae’Leanna Carpenter and Taviana Macey. Also many cousins and friends, including closest friend, Archie Brown.

Dennis lived his life to the absolute fullest until health issues forced him to slow down (some!). He was a retired first responder and EMT for many years with several volunteer fire departments, including East Sparta and Mineral City.

He also loved to camp, fish, and shoot. He belonged to the North Industry Sportsmen's Club, starting with his father when he was very young, helping fill trap houses and helping raise pheasants, and also serving as an officer along with running Tuesday Night Trap Shoot for several years. He still shot trap every Tuesday night, and in Fall and Winter Trap League (Team Ashland).

In addition, he was a wonderful drummer and guitar player in MANY country bands for over 40 years–Country Connected, First Choice, and Country Blend, just to name a couple–playing with some of the best musicians and singers in Ohio. He was a long-standing and award-winning member of OCWMA, winning comedian of the year several times. He was one prone to do anything for a laugh, including dressing the part!! He was also an avid karaoke singer (how he met Nina 30 years ago). Music was truly his love.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 5-7 pm and Monday, January 13, 2025 from 10-11 am, with a Last Alarm Service officiated by Terry Smith at 7 pm on Sunday at Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home, 4041 Cleveland Ave. S, Canton, OH 44707. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11 am, with Terry Smith officiating. Dennis will be interred in Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Louisville, OH, with a lunch to follow at the North Industry Sportsmen’s Club, 7825 Beth Ave. SW, Navarre, OH 44662.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to NISC or Mineral City Fire Department. Thank you to all those who prayed and sent wishes to us all on Facebook and beyond. He will be truly missed. Remember to say I love you; you never know when it may be the last time.

Friends and family may offer condolences and share memories at:

sandersfuneralhomes.com