Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
A longtime Evansville attorney who served in the U.S. House of Representatives in the mid-1970s has died.
Philip Hayes died Dec. 20 at the age of 83.
Hayes served in Congress from 1975-1977, representing the 8th District of Indiana.
According to the Evansville Courier & Press, Hayes spent most of his life in Indiana. He attended Indiana University and Indiana University Law School, graduating from the latter in 1967.
He went on to work in private practice in Evansville and also served as deputy prosecutor for Vanderburgh County from 1967 to 1968.
In the 1970s, Hayes began his career in public service, first serving as a Democrat in the Indiana Senate from 1970-1974.
He then ran for the U.S. House, where he was elected in 1974.
Republican Rep. Larry Buchson, the 8th District’s current representative, posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, that described Hayes as “a devoted public servant who possessed an unwavering commitment to the people of Indiana.”
The Evansville Bar Association also noted Hayes’ passing, writing to Indiana Lawyer that it was sad to hear of his death and noting that he had been an EBA member.
Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke also paid tribute to Hayes in a Dec. 20 post to Facebook.
“I am saddened to hear the news of the passing of former 8th District Congressman Phil Hayes,” Winnecke wrote. “Phil was a long-time friend and the source of sage political advice and encouragement throughout my political career.
“I have long admired Phil’s intellect, wit, and story-telling ability,” the mayor continued. “Phil had the innate ability to cut through political silliness and had a keen focus on serving the public in the most practical, helpful manner possible. “
The Vanderburgh County Democratic Party also posted a Facebook message expressing its condolences.
“His dedicated service and contributions will be remembered, and our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” the party wrote of Hayes.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.