Sending condolence to the entire family of Russell "Bob" Hayhurst, a Veteran of the WWII...B-24 bomber crews, as young men, who saved the world. Just learned at Dayton, Ohio, 15th AF Bomber Reunion of Eileene's passing as well. They were the spirit of the reunions and were missed this past week end.
Our Sympathy to the entire family and to their many friends in West Virginia..and around the world.. God Bless all of you!! May they Rest in Peace..
Carolyn and Tom
I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Hayhurst at the 461st and 484th bombardment group reunion several years ago. He was one of the first veterans that I met in the reunion groups. My great uncle was killed in WWII while serving as a top turret gunner on a B24 bomber in the 461st. While it's unlikely that Mr. Hayhurst had a chance to meet my great uncle, they flew at the same time in sister bombardment groups. I felt like I got to meet my great uncle through my conversations with Russell. I remember sitting with him for close to 2 hours the first time we met, as he shared his incredible stories about his time in WWII and his successful life following the war. Every reunion I would attend I would check to see if Russell was there. The first time he couldn't make it anymore was hard because I got used to seeing him and spending time with him. I just want to say that I'll never forget seeing how much he loved his wife. They two of them were always side-by-side at the reunions. I'll miss seeing his face at the reunions, but my memories of him will live on. My deepest condolences to the family. He is dearly missed.
He was known to us as Russell J to help distinguish him from the crowd of BOB's in our family. The whole road answered to BOB as he would say. He was a wonderful man. Always very warm and welcoming. He would offer the shirt off his back if you ever needed anything. When i worked at Hills he would come in and visit from time to time. Always had a big smile for me. He will always be someone who stands out in my memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you Eileen and all your loved ones.
Brenda Blaker (Barb "Katy" Ratcliff and Frank Fullmer's youngest)
I want to express my sympathies to the family of Russell. I knew him from being in school with him at University High School and remember him as a good fellow student and a good man. Please know that you are in my prayers and I'm asking that God give you the comfort and hope that you need during this time of grief. I will well remember Russell and am grateful that I can consider him my friend and fellow UHS graduate. It was wonderful to have seen him at our last reunion along with Mrs. Hayhurst and his caregiver. It was remarkable that he made every effort to be with us there.
Louis Berry Birurakis
Senior Class President of
University High School
Class of 1944
Eileen, Please know that you are in our prayers at this time. Bob was such a joy to be around and we were blessed for having known him (and you!) during our time in Morgantown. We are so sorry to hear about his passing. My own father passed away about a week before Bob. You can bet that the two of them are now swapping stories in Heaven!
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Russell Hayhurst, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten..
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Air Corps Veteran, Russell Hayhurst, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
