Joseph Donald Hayden Jr., 71, Valley Lee

Friday, July 3, 2009

Born Jan. 11, 1938, in Great Mills, he was the son of the late Joseph Donald Hayden Sr. and Catherine Rosalie Hayden.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Marie Hayden. He was the father of four children, Donna M. Roenigk (Kevin), Laura A. Hewitt (Paul), Michael A. Hayden (Daria) and David A. Hayden (Teresa), all of Valley Lee. He was the grandfather of nine, Justin Hayden (Misti), Kyle, Tyler and Donald J. Hayden, Amanda and Jason Hayden and Paul, Josephine and Joshua Hewitt; step-grandfather of Lee Grimes (Crystal), Sherri Watkins (D.J.) and Donna Grimes. He was the step-great-grandfather of Kylie and Morgan Watkins. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Rose Flaherty (William).

He was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County. He loved farming and doing carpentry work. He was an excellent craftsman. He loved being on his tractor, working his farm. He also enjoyed cutting grass with his grandson Jason at St. George Catholic Church.

He could come up with an ingenious and unique solution to problems. He loved his wife and family very much and took pride in his grandchildren. He taught his children and grandchildren to have faith in God and to work hard. He was a kind and caring person and was always willing to lend a hand.

The family received friends and prayers were recited July 2 at St. George Catholic Church in Valley Lee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated today, July 3, at noon at the church, with the Rev. Mark Irvine officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Roenigk, Paul Hewitt, Justin Hayden, Tyler Hayden, Donald James Hayden and Jason Hayden. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Joy and Mark Flaherty.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Catholic Church building fund, P.O. Box 9, Valley Lee, MD 20692.