Kevin D. Hayman

Kevin (KevDawg) David Hayman, 63, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2021 in his home, surrounded by his daughters after a two-year disagreement with liver cancer. 

Kevin was born in Akron, Ohio to Otto John Hayman and Laura Belle (Ward) Hayman on May 22, 1957, the third of four children. Kevin grew up with two older brothers, John and Mearle, and a younger sister, Marcy. He routinely caused mischief but had a voracious appetite to learn new skills. Kevin was a skilled mechanic, craftsman, businessman, and story-teller. He began a family with Bernadette (Pannuto) Bert, and had two children, Candace and Nicole. 

 Kevin moved to Toledo in 1989 with his family while he worked for The Cleveland Plant and Flower Co. There, he led a successful career for many years and ultimately stepped down to spend more time with his family. Life would take him many directions - becoming a factory worker, a commercial truck driver, and ultimately a machine operator at Cargill Salt in Akron where he would later retire from. Kevin never met a person he couldn’t strike up a conversation with and he had an uncanny way of making people feel comfortable immediately. His charm, smile, laugh, humor, and sarcasm often made him the life of any party or gathering. He was everyone’s cool Uncle Kev and was adored by his many nieces and nephews who he made lasting memories with while camping or hanging out at family gatherings. 

 Kevin loved to cook and often explored with many different style cuisines. He was a master of the grill and never shied away from trying new foods. He loved to fish, hunt, and be outdoors. He had a talent and keen eye for building things and doing beautiful landscaping - a natural born artist. Kevin loved doing new projects and infrequently finished everything he started. 

 His love for the Cleveland Browns was unconditional and he attended many games, training camps, and draft parties. Regardless of their lack of winning, he was a fan until the end - collecting a multitude of souvenirs and keepsakes to decorate his DawgPound basement with. He was an avid golfer in years past and spent hours at the driving range and taking lessons from golf pro’s. He got a hole-in-one on hole number two at Riverby Golf Club in Toledo, lending to his forever email address of Riverby02.  Kevin loved motorcycles and had many throughout his life - his Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic being his favorite of all time.

Kevin later met his “girl,” Kelli Yeager, who he would adoringly call the love of his life. He built a new life with Kelli after moving back to Akron in his 50’s. Kevin and Kelli helped raise their grandson, Jace Ladany and were referred to as Paw and Maw. They made sure that Jace was well taken care of and often spoiled him with all things Godzilla and dinosaur themed. Kevin’s garage of tools would impress any craftsman and he made sure that Jace had his own tools and locker in Paw’s garage. Kelli’s children became a huge part of Kevin’s life as did her brothers and sisters and extended family. Although KevDawg could be rough around the edges, he would give anyone the shirt off his back. Friends and family knew they could count on him for help, even when things were tough for him as well. 

 Kevin was preceded in death by his “girl” Kelli; parents, Otto and Laura; brother, Mearle; sister, Marcy; best dog, Kiwi; and various aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  Kevin will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. As Kevin would say, “we will all be together again.” Rest easy, old man. We love you endlessly. 

A celebration of life will be held at Ignite Brewing Co., 600 Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, OH on Saturday May 22, 2021 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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