David J. Hayden Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

David J. Hayden, 77, died at 3:18pm Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Deaconess Gateway Heart Hospital. He was born in Evansville, IN, on September 28, 1942. His parents were Walter and Hazel (Kuebler) Hayden, who preceded him in death. Mr. Hayden was an English teacher and coach (basketball and baseball) at Reitz Memorial High School from 1982 until he retired in 2008. An avid reader and historian, he spent his retirement immersed in these pursuits. He published one book, Muhammad and the Birth of Islamic Supremacism: The War with the Jews 622-828 A.D., as well as countless essays and articles. His latest topic of interest involved the plight of Native Americans. He had a great love for family and for “the West.” While in college, his summer work in Glacier National Park in Montana planted a seed that continued to grow throughout his life. Hiking and the mountains of the West captivated him. He loved devouring maps and planning the next adventure. David graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1960. After college he joined the Peace Corps, and spent two years serving in Bogota, Columbia. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sara (Becker) Hayden; children, Teja Rachel Shankara of Evansville, IN, her children, Zachariah and Gabriel Bendat; Gregory Hayden of Ashland, OR; Nathaniel Hayden (Kasey) and their children Lily and Hugo of Ashland, OR; and Adam Hayden (Larita) and their children, Zoe and Oliver of Cincinnati, OH. Also survived by six sisters and two brothers: Julie Wiesinger of Indianapolis, IN; Mary Alice Hegarty (Paul) of Scottsdale, AZ; Becky Coulter (Tom) of Kirkwood, MO; Curtis Hayden (Penny) of Ashland, OR; Sally Baldwin of Nashville, IN; Dan Hayden of Ukraine; Anita Hayden of Hebo, OR; and Laurie Hayden of Ashland, OR. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln Ave. Evansville, IN 47714. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Fr. Ted Tempel officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Memorial High School, 1500 Lincoln Ave. Evansville, IN 47714.

David J. Hayden

September 28, 1942 - January 25, 2020

Obituary & Service

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David J. Hayden

September 28, 1942 - January 25, 2020

Obituary & Service

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