Russell Jefferson “Bob” Hayhurst passed over to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. He was born on December 21, 1925, in Fairmont, to Roy Forrest Hayhurst and Roxye Marguerite (Arnett) Hayhurst.
Bob, as he was known to his friends, was the owner and founder of Hayhurst Landscaping, which operated for over 50 years in Morgantown and surrounding areas. Among his noteworthy accomplishments are the landscaping for the WVU Creative Arts Center and Arnold Palmer’s golf course in Latrobe, Pa.
Before establishing his business, Bob enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1943. During World War II, he served as a bombardier and nose gunner on a B-24 Liberator heavy bomber. He received a Purple Heart and Air Medal for his actions on his many combat missions. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and received an Honorable Discharge from the Army. Returning from the war, he took a job in the coal mines then started his landscaping business in 1947.
Over the years, he has been active in the First Baptist Church of Morgantown, the Westover Lions Club, and the VFW, among other organizations. He is a graduate of University High School and the University of Hard Knocks at Alderson-Broaddus College.
He is survived by Eileen Hayhurst, his wife of the past 33 years; his daughter, Pamula Sue (Hayhurst) Pandolfi; stepsons, Mike Toothman and Tim Toothman; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Roy Hayhurst, Jr.; his first wife, Roxie (Bumgardner) Hayhurst and his son, Robert Hayhurst.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, from 2-4 p.m., on Monday, June 11 and from 10-11 a.m., on Tuesday, June 12, with services to follow with the Reverend Richard Hepler officiating.
Interment will follow in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Morgantown.
Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Amedisys Hospice Care, 246 Cheat Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508 or Mon County Habitat for Humanity, 1825 Earl L Core Rd., Morgantown, WV 26505
Condolences: hastingsfuneralhome.com.
