Earl Hayden

Earl William “Pete” Hayden, age 81, of Portland went home to be with Jesus surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. 

He was born in Delaware County on July 9, 1943, the son of Arnold and Grace (Borem) Hayden. He was married on Sept. 6, 1969, to Shirley Franks who survives.

Pete was a Vietnam veteran and was proud to be an American. He served his country in the Army from 1965 to 1967. Through all his trials he never lost his love for his family or his faith. 

Pete spent his life helping others and taught his girls to do the same. He loved to be outside mowing with his grandson. He taught his family to persevere and to believe in the goodness of others. He had a love for life and a fun personality. He brought light and joy to anyone who knew him. He loved to play practical jokes on his friends and family. He was always grateful for life and anyone who helped him. He taught us all to look for the best in everything. We learned to respect everyone we met.

He was a member of the D.A.V., V.F.W., American Legion Post #211 and Bryant Wesleyan Church.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Shirley; four daughters, Tonya Sharp (husband: Kevin) of Clinton, Tennessee, Melinda Hayden of Portland, Tammy Bogeschutz (husband: Marc) of Portland and Rhonda Monroe (husband: Duane) of Portland; two brothers, Les Hayden (wife: Stella) of Winchester and Tom Hayden (wife: Quanda) of Portland; sister Patty Noble (companion: Gary) of Redkey; brother-in-law David Hill of Berne; 10 grandchildren Ryan Denney (companion: Shannon) of Redkey, Kyle Denney of Portland, Aaron Bogenschutz (wife: Janel) of Greenwood, Julie Fields (husband: Jesse) of Cincinnati, Taylor Fisher of Muncie, Darren Bogenschutz (wife: Sara) of Albany, Lyndi Snyder of Clinton, Tennessee, Josh Monroe of Portland, Blake Bogenschutz of Portland and Jacob Monroe of Portland; great-granddaughters Adriene, Karyssa, Alena, Ariah and Kenize; great-grandsons Declan, Kellen, Boston, Kamden, Ben and Beau; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Hayden; and a sister, Nancy Hill.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. in the Bryant Wesleyan Church with Pastors Paul VanCise and Joe Hines presiding. Burial with military rites by American Legion Post 211 will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials can be made to Gideons or Heartland Hospice or any Veteran Organization.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.