William “Bill” George Gauger, Mark Robert Hayes

William “Bill” George Gauger

William “Bill” George Gauger, 87, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on May 29, 2026. He was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on December 10, 1938, to the late George and Virginia Gauger.

Bill served his country with distinction for 21 years in the United States Air Force, including time in Vietnam, and retired as a Master Sergeant. His deep respect for service and sacrifice continued long after retirement, as he played the bugle in military honors for hundreds of funerals across Missouri and Kansas, offering a steady, dignified farewell to fellow veterans and their families. After his military career, he brought the same discipline and careful attention to detail to his work as an IRS criminal investigator in Florida.

In 1978, Bill married Mary after what he described as love at first sight. He was already a proud father of five, and together they blended their families with love.

Bill’s interests reflected both precision and joy. He loved airplanes, especially his work maintaining C130s, and he never lost his fascination with what made them run. He shared his knowledge abroad while teaching in Saudi Arabia for Lockheed Martin. He looked forward to the Consumer Reports each month, with a particular fondness for the cars featured in its pages. He enjoyed living in Florida and referred to himself as “the reptile of the family.” He was also a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan. And to those who knew him best, he had his own small traditions, like his “5 o’clock” whiskey, always with exactly four ice cubes.

Bill gave generously of his time and resources, sponsoring many events for the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Kokomo Rescue Mission, and causes supporting veterans. He virtually attended the Church of Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, and remained a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his children and stepchildren Becky Roberts, Nadine Boothby (Tammy), William Gauger II, Karen Luddington (Bob), Alicia Gauger, Scott Lucas, Sharon Adams (Chris), and Stan Lucas; his grandchildren Christi Dale Roberts, Timothy Coppage, Rebecca Sprunger (Troy), Sandra Cook, Shannon Barnes, Charles Gauger, William Gauger III, Ryan Luddington (Candie), Kyle Luddington, Faith Simms (Jeremy), and Loy Taylor; and his sister Lynn Schmittz, as well as many great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Mary Gauger; his stepson David Lucas; his sister Margaret Ellen Bruehl; his grandson Jason Luddington; and his sons-in-law Gary Roberts and Terry Taylor.

Bill will be laid to rest at Marion National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to any military related charity of your choice.

Mark Robert Hayes

Mark Robert Hayes, 76, passed away on May 25, 2026. A devoted family man, an avid outdoorsman, and a beloved friend to many, Mark leaves behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and an incredibly full bucket list.

Born in Kokomo, Indiana, to George Robert Hayes and Elizabeth Ann (Matacle) Hayes, Mark grew up with a great sense of humor and a deep loyalty to the people he cared about. After graduating from high school in Kokomo, he attended Indiana University to study criminal justice. Before finding his way to the open road, Mark spent 15 years with Marsh Supermarket, where he began his journey as a stockboy and diligently worked his way up to Assistant Manager. When it came time to consider a new path, he famously dismissed the idea of entering law enforcement, jokingly remarking that he “didn’t want to arrest any of his friends.”

Instead, Mark found his calling on the open road. For 15 years, he traveled across the Midwest as a delivery driver for Teamsters Local 135, proudly driving for Wonder Bread. His time on the route was full of memorable moments, including one unforgettable instance where a neighborhood dog tore into his truck to feast on the fresh bread! But the greatest thing his delivery route ever brought him was the love of his life, Cathy.

Mark delivered bread to The Farmers Table, a Midwestern country diner where Cathy worked as a waitress. He looked forward to seeing her every single shift. Eventually, he worked up the courage to ask her out; a major risk, as Cathy was known for turning everyone down. He was so flustered at the thought of finally asking her out that he completely forgot to shut his truck door, sending loaves of bread flying everywhere. Despite the flying bread, she said yes. Mark and Cathy were married on June 25, 1994, at Revine Park in Attica, Indiana, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span over three decades.

Mark had a deep love for the outdoors and history. He spent his free time riding bikes, his motorcycle, hiking, fishing, and walking. Always keeping his eyes on the ground, he had a special talent for finding arrowheads. He deeply loved his many nephews and nieces. Being a voracious reader, he was incredibly passionate about Native American history and culture. He also loved staying active and working out.

Family was everything to Mark. He cherished the big family gatherings at Cathy’s parents’ house, where he could always be found enjoying his favorite hot Italian sausage and peppers, ice cream, and his stepdaughter Jessica’s famous collard greens and mac ‘n’ cheese.

Mark lived his life with forward-looking joy. Whenever a new idea or adventure came up, he would always say, “Put it on the bucket list.” Because of that spirit, he and Cathy shared a wonderfully full bucket.

A devoted Christian, Mark was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Williamsport, Indiana, for many years. He was known for his warmth and approachability. As his neighbor fondly put it, “You know, that’s my good old buddy over there.” He had lots of loving friends who will miss his easygoing presence.

Mark is survived by a large and loving family who will carry his memory forward, including his loving wife Cathy Annette (Maynard) Hayes; his step-children Jessica Miller of West Lafayette, Indiana, George Novosel and his fiancée Deanna Mullins of Battle Ground, Indiana, and Amanda Miller of Lafayette, Indiana; five beloved grandchildren; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his brothers Lawrence (Pamela) Hayes from Kokomo, Craig (Karen) Hayes from Kokomo, and Brian Hayes from Fishers, Indiana, as well as his brothers-in-law, James (AnneMarie) Maynard of Dyer, Indiana, Jerry (LaRhonda) Maynard of Whiting, Indiana, and Brett Maynard and Brett’s sweetheart Dawn Walton from Texas.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents George Robert Hayes and Elizabeth Ann (Matacle) Hayes and his sister Susan Hayes of Kokomo, who was waiting to welcome him home.

Honoring Mark’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be announced on a later date.