Donald Harry Hayden, of Lincolnton, NC. passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family on January 10, 2025. Born on February 19, 1948, in Elkin, NC., he was the son of the late Harry and Ruth Eloise Bledsoe Hayden.
Mr. Hayden served proudly in the United States Marine Corps. during the Vietnam War.
After his service to our country in Vietnam, he followed his passion for horses. He raised award winning Cutting Horses.
He loved traveling out West and took many trips there.
Mr. Hayden had a vast knowledge of the history of our nation and loved to share it. He had a remarkable memory of the Bible which he read many times He could recite verses for any situation that came his way or for anyone else. He loved sharing verses with others and explaining their meaning.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Besides his parents, Mr. Hayden was preceded in death by his niece, Ashley Brotherton.
He is survived by his son Chad Hayden and his wife, Andrea; granddaughter Tiffany Moore; grandson PJ McSwain; great granddaughter Luna Crystal Joy Bowers; sisters Susan Brotherton and Janette Blair; nephews Mitchel Brotherton and Daniel Blair; great nieces Madison Brotherton and Sarah Jordan.
Mr. Hayden will lie in state on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 2:00 PM. to 4:00 PM at The Good Samaritan Funeral Home 3362 (Business) North Highway16 Denver, NC 28037.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be celebrated at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Salisbury National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Hayden’s memory to Wounded Warriors Project would be deeply appreciate
I hope you’re riding Alibi with Sassy, Freck, Pep, and all the rest right with you.
From a Randy Travis song:
“ There are horses in Heaven
So l bet that God’s a cowboy
Heading off into the sunset In a big white Stetson hat
Every time you hear the thunder
It’s just a posse full of angels
Riding those horses up in Heaven
Golden saddles on their backs.”