Hayden Stair, 96, of Hartford, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 5, 2024. Hayden was born in Drasco, Arkansas to Jesse and Fern (Cochran) Stair on Dec. 31, 1927. He married his wife, Angie Wanecek on June 12, 1971, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him is his daughter, Theresa Stair, both parents, and two brothers, Calvin and Jessie C. Stair.
Hayden spent his youth on the family farm in Drasco, AR. As a young teen he came to Michigan to find work at the farms in Keeler. Returning to Arkansas to log and work the sawmill in the winters. After settling in the area, he worked for over 35 years at Auto Specialties in Hartford. During Auto’s strike in the early 80s he started Haydens Taxidermy and worked both jobs until retiring in 1986 from Auto’s. He then continued working as a taxidermist for another 35 years, fully retiring at the age of 91 in 2019. As a taxidermist he was a perfectionist but took the time to explore his creativity making Jack-a-lopes and other unique mounts.
Hayden was always a hard worker. For decades he maintained a large garden to provide for the family. He was also a handyman, taking care of his home, helping his daughters, and always there to help a friend. He was an avid outdoorsman his entire life - he loved fishing, hunting, camping, as well as daily hikes through the woods into his 90s.
His beautiful smile, sly sense of humor, and truly caring soul will be loved and missed by his sister, Francis Gill (Arkansas); two daughters, Sandra (Lonnie) Morris and Linda (Lloyd) Taylor; two stepdaughters, Carla Baldwin and Kimberly Boysen (Lou Price); nine grandchildren, Brian (Dana) Morris, Tonya (Matt) Melton, Kari (Lonnie) Bennett, Hilary Furney, Corey (Morgan) Baldwin, Angela (Stephen) Falk, Steven Boysen, Melissa (Troy) Allen and Donald R. (Denise) Baldwin. He is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford, from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 10, 2024 where at 6 p.m. a Celebration of Life service will commence. Pastor Gary Guthrie of South Haven Community Church will officiate. Hayden will be laid to rest in the Friendship North Cemetery outside of Drasco, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
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