James Douglas “Doug” Hayden, age 78, went to his final resting place on October 5, 2022, at 2 a.m.
In his 78 years, Doug lived life to the fullest. He said he’d lived enough for 3 or 4 lives. He worked for the forestry department and had a vast knowledge of trees and the lay of the land. He worked for the Daviess County Fire Department as a fireman and was a captain at the Daviess County Airport Fire Department. He owned and operated Doug Hayden Construction. He was a thoroughbred owner, trainer, and breeder. In 1982, he built and opened the family business, Hayden’s Drive-In, and opened Hayden’s Liquor in 1989. He loved the outdoors: hunting, fishing, and raising animals. He never met a stranger and was known as “Daddy,” “Pop,” “Daddy Doug,” “Pappy Doug,” and “Dougie Burgers.” He was as tough as an ox and fought cancer valiantly, but his heart remained soft. His memory and determination were strong to the end. He was loved deeply in life and will be missed greatly by all who loved him.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Dant and Edgar “Dude” Hayden.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane Wink Hayden and their children, Kathy (Kenny) Blandford and Alan Hayden (Kathleen Hamilton). He is also survived by his siblings, Frank (Linda) Hayden, Shelby Compton, and Robert Hayden; four grandchildren, Hadley (Wes) Meserve, Ethan (Katie) Blandford, Mason, and Max Hayden; five great-grandchildren, Emmit, Ellen, and Elias Meserve and Ryleigh & Shayleigh Blandford; and lots of family and friends.
Services will be 10:00 am on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Burial to follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Visitation will be 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with prayers being said at 6:00 pm, on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory and again on Saturday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hayden. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of James Douglas “Doug” Hayden and sign his virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.