Gary Wayne Hayden, Sr.

Gary Wayne Hayden Sr., age 67, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Independence, Louisiana to the late Martin Hayden Sr. and Nellie Roberson Hayden on January 22, 1957.  Gary was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and always had a good hunting story to tell.  He retired as an Arborist who trimmed and cut down trees for a living and loved every minute of it.  Gary was a creative handyman who everyone called to help with a project or problem and he loved working with his hands, woodworking making birdhouses and canes.  He thought he was a chef in his own mind and loved his own cooking but his family would say otherwise.  When he wasn't cooking his famous squirrel dishes, he'd be eating all the fruit he could find, especially strawberries, which was his favorite.  Gary was a simple man who enjoyed his beard, bud light, hashbrown breakfast, and watching his western shows, but one of his favorite pastimes was picking and joking with his wife just to get a rise out of her.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Martha "Marlene" Hayden; son, Gary Wayne Hayden Jr.; step-children, Theresa Hopkins, Abram Hopkins, Rachel Hopkins, Verla Stutsman (Roy), and Charlene Hayden; grandchildren, Devin, Dillion, Derrick, Joshua, Landon Hodges, Steel Hodges, Roy "RJ" Stutsman III, Brooklyn Stutsman, Jania Devilla, Joseph Devilla and Leah Hayden; great-grandchildren, Damen, Haylen, Nola, one on the way, Paisley, Emmy, and Floyd "Blue Jay"; siblings, Martin O. Hayden Jr. (Eva), Linda Hayden Blahut (Raymond), Marie Knight (Gary), and Ronnie Hayden (Cheryl); best friend, Bubba, furbabies, Dixie and Mercy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and his aunt, Wilma Meek.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Bro. McCon will be officiating the services with burial to follow in Springfield Cemetery.