Gary Lynn Hayden
Gary Lynn Hayden, businessman, proud LSU alumni and loyal fan, was born Aug 13th, 1947 in Mobile, Alabama. He passed away on July 13th, 2023 due to complications from a stroke. Gary’s faith was always a central part of his life. He attended church regularly. Anyone who knew him well knew of his deep and abiding faith in his Lord and Savior.
The oldest of two children to Denver and Hazel Hayden, Gary grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in a loving and faith-based home, where he learned the importance of family, hard work, and giving back to others.
He graduated from Broadmoor High School in 1965. Throughout his childhood and high school years, Gary loved playing baseball. His passion for the game started a lifelong love of sports.
Gary went on to attend Louisiana State University earning a B.S. degree in History in 1969. In early August of 1969, Gary joined the U.S. Army Reserves (Airborne). After basic training, he was assigned to the Reserve Unit in Kerens, Texas where Gary made lasting friendships throughout his six years in the Army Reserves.
After college, Gary intended to become a teacher and a coach. However, as life would have it, his direction changed to business, specifically businesses where he could assist people in decision-making and always with what was best for them, not for his bottom line. Throughout his professional career of over 50 years, Gary was focused, hard-working, and detail-oriented. When Gary became a life insurance agent with New York Life in 1988, his father asked him if he liked his work. Gary’s reply was “Yes, Dad, I really do. I like to help people and I can help them every day in this career”. Throughout the years, Gary was a reliable and knowledgeable insurance professional and investment advisor, to countless individuals, businesses, and municipalities.
Through the years, Gary served on many civic organizations including the Corsicana Kiwanis Club, Corsicana YMCA, Corsicana Chamber of Commerce, Ennis Noon Lions Club, Ennis Chamber of Commerce, and The Navarro College Foundation.
It was his love of sports that led Gary to be a Texas High School Football official for 38 years. His crew was a brotherhood, they had each other’s back. Not even an irate, passionate mom could rattle them when together.
He was incredibly honored to serve on the board of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas, right up to his passing. He took his position very seriously.
Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and Cynthia enjoyed traveling and entertaining with friends, going on road trips across the country, attending music festivals, eating good food, sharing a love of animals, and laughing because it’s good for you. Affectionately known as Pops to his grandchildren. He loved and adored listening to their stories, watching them play sports and passing on his life lessons better known as “Pops-isms”.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Denver D. Hayden and Hazel M. Hayden; beloved sister, Gloria Jean Scarborough.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Hayden of Georgetown, TX; children Kyle Hayden and wife Meredith of Dripping Springs, TX; Kenneth Hayden and wife Jennifer of Abington, PA; Keith Hayden and wife Cara of Coppell, TX; Cole Hayden and wife Beth of Collegeville, PA; and step-son Tommy Eskind and wife Connie of Dallas, TX. He is survived by 8 grandchildren, Addison, Pierce, Henry, Jackson, Milo, Ricci, Heather and Chip; 3 great-grandchildren Antonio, Josie and Ridley. Gary is survived by two loving nieces, Angelle Mc-Donald and Kimberly Villanova, and brother-inlaw, Mike Shroeder and numerous beloved cousins, dear friends, and his College World Series Omaha group.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Texas High School Football Hall of Fame or your local SPCA chapter.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 12th at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas from 3:00-5:00 PM Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome. com for the Hayden family.
