William H. Hayden

William (Bill) Harry Hayden, 79, of Danville, Indiana, passed away in the comfort of his own home on December 4, 2019 surrounded by love.

Visitation will begin at 1:00PM on Sunday, December 8, 2019 followed by a celebration of life ceremony commencing at 2:00 PM at David A. Hall Mortuary, 220 North Maple Street, Pittsboro, IN 46167.  The burial will be at 1PM on Monday, December 9, 2019 at Danville South Cemetery, Danville, IN.

Born at home to the late Harry Boone Hayden and Leota Mae (Hanan) Hayden on January 27, 1940 in Thorntown, Indiana, Bill came out determined and was quickly on-the-go. In his youth, when he wasn’t milking cows at 4AM or purposely breaking the strings off his violin to avoid music practice, he was honing his competitive nature by doing chin-ups upstairs working towards earning an Indiana state title of Chin-Up Champion in the 1950s.  After graduating from Lebanon High School in 1958, Bill went on to earn an associate degree from Purdue University in Construction Management and enlist in the Army National Guard.

A fun-loving, active young man, Bill went on to impress his future bride Joyce Ellen (McCorkle) Hayden with his zeal for community engagement.  She was once quoted saying “Wow, what would it be like to be married to a guy like that?!”  Well, beginning on June 15, 1963, she found out as they created their careers and lives together in various Indiana towns until 1976 when they found their forever home and property in Danville, IN.

Shortly after moving to Danville, Bill realized he had the great job, the hot wife, the house (complete with mustard yellow shag carpeting), the land, the dog, but something was missing.  Consequently, the Hayden crew rounded out nicely with the additions of Dwight Edward Hayden on February 5, 1977 and LaDonna Jo Hayden on January 17, 1984.

As it turns out, having a family was expensive.  But with Bill’s strong work ethic, business aptitude and intelligent mind, in the 1990s, he started his own construction management company, Joyce, Inc.  Over the years, he managed many construction projects throughout the state of Indiana.  Bill enjoyed working night and day in his office to provide for his family, often making many sacrifices to realize his ideals for them.  Later in life, he also got the opportunity to be employed with the Small Business Administration on several disaster relief operations where he was able to work, travel, and eat his way across America. At this point, it is unclear if Bill ever truly retired or if God just decided to bring him up a little early to direct a new project in Heaven.

Bill was a hardworking provider, husband, father, proud grandfather (to Finn Hayden Furman on December 1, 2014), and friend.  Bill loved going to Hardees for coffee, fishing, hunting, eating, doing push-ups, driving fast (with and without his seatbelt), walking around the field, and a good auction.

Bill is survived by his wife Joyce Hayden of 56 years, son Dwight Hayden, daughter LaDonna Hayden (Dr. David Furman, Jr.), grandson Finn Furman, brothers Lloyd (Sue) Hayden, Marvin (Theresa) Hayden, and nieces, nephews and extended family.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother Harry and Leota Hayden and sister and brother-in-law Reatha (Bob) Strain.

A special thank you to the people at Heartland Hospice in Indianapolis, Indiana for their loving care and support during his final moments.  The family would also like to extend their sincerest gratitude to David A. Hall Mortuary for their compassion and understanding during this difficult time.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Association at Stroke.org and/or the ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 3091 E. 98th St. #240, Indianapolis, Indiana 46280.