Franklin D. "Boots" Hayes, 75, of New Castle passed away in his home on the morning of October 1, 2009.

Born January 9, 1934 in Mahoningtown, he was the son of the late Walter and Ethel Booth Hayes.

Frank retired from CSX in 1995 after 31 years of service as a conductor engineer.  A Veteran of the US Army, he served his country from 1956 to 1958.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter who loved cooking and gardening.  Frank was a member of the VFW Post #315 and the Cultural German Club.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Allen Hayes, daughter and son in law, Karen and Randy Ryder, grand daughter, Nicole AMabile and her husband Shawn Amabile, and a grandson, Brandon Ryder, all of New Castle.  He is also survived by his beloved dog, Peggy and three sisters and brothers in law; JoAnn and Tom Newman of Holiday, Florida, Charlotte and Louis Garberry and Nancy and James Napier of New Castle.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister and brother in law, Marilyn and Bud Wilson of New Castle.

Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 on Saturday, October 3, and from 2-4 and 7-9 on Sunday, October 4 at the Marshall Funeral Home, Main Street, Wampum.

Funeral Services will be held at the Marshall Funeral Home - Wampum on Monday, October 5, 2009 at 11:00am with Rev. Dennis Bupp officiating.  Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.  Military rites will be conducted by the New Castle Veterans Honor Guard.