Hal Jay Haymaker, of Washington Court House, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, following an extended illness. He was 77. Born on November 3, 1948, in Columbus, Ohio, Hal built a life rooted in family, agriculture, service, and community.
A graduate of Miami Trace High School’s Class of 1967, Hal continued his education at Morehead State University, where he studied Music and Industrial Arts and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1971.
Hal was a lifelong farmer and the owner and operator of the Haymaker Century Farm, land that has remained in his family since 1902. Farming was central to his life, and he carried forward that legacy with dedication and pride. He was also widely known as an avid breeder and showman of Oxford Sheep, a pursuit that joined his love of agriculture with his strong presence in the fair and livestock community.
His commitment to civic and community life was broad and lasting. Hal was a member of the former McNair Presbyterian Church. He belonged to Lodge 443 of Free and Accepted Masons, the Valley of the Scottish Rite, The Aladdin Shrine Temple, and the Washington Shrine Club, where he served as Past President. He was also a former member of the local Symposiarch and had served as its president. His service extended to 21 years as a member of the Fayette County Fair Board, and he was a member of BPO Elks 129. In addition, he served on the Union Township Zoning Board of Appeals. Through these organizations, Hal gave generously of his time and leadership, leaving a meaningful mark on the community he cared about so deeply.
He is survived by his daughter, Lenore (Kevin) Swanson of Mississippi; his grandchildren, Kaden, Noah, and Lily; his sister, Lana (Carl) Hays; his nephews, Joe Hays and Jay Hays; and Mary Brown, his companion. He is also survived by lifelong friends Andy Fitzpatrick and Crista Creamer, whose enduring friendship was part of the circle of people who shared in his life.
Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Loudonna (Dodd) Haymaker.
He will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to the family farm, his leadership in the organizations he served, and the enduring connections he maintained with family, friends, and community. His life reflected hard work, loyalty, and a deep sense of tradition, and his memory will remain with all who knew him.
An Elks service will start at 1pm on September 8, 2026 at the Roberts Funeral Home in Washington Court House, followed by a Masonic service at 1:15pm. The funeral service will start immediately after, with Pastor Adam Lynch officiating. Burial will follow in the Bloomingburg Cemetery and is requested to include only immediate family. The family will receive friends at the funeral Home on Tuesday from 11am until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/ or to Heartland Hospice, 220 E. Market Street, Washington C.H., OH 43160.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.robertsfh.net.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.