Robert D. Hayden's Obituary
Robert D. Hayden, Jr., of Milford, DE, age 59, departed this life unexpectedly on Friday, April 20 while attending the Carlisle Car Show in Carlisle, PA. Born January 26, 1948, he was the son of Robert D. Hayden, Sr., of Harrington, DE, and the late Patricia Phillips Hayden.
He was one of the best crane operators in the State and among the last of the drag line operators. Mr. Hayden constructed local projects such as the Westend River Walk in Milford, Jefferson Bridge Road bridge over the Assawoman Canal outside of Bethany Beach, Wagamons Mill Pond dam and spillway on Mulberry Street, Milton, as well as numerous other wooden bridges throughout the State. It is best said that he took pride in anything he did.
He enjoyed his 1989 Softtail Springer Harley Davidson motorcycle, his red Plymouth Prowler, and his 1936 antique Chevrolet pick-up which he restored, winning various awards at area and regional car shows.
After attending Milford High School, he served honorably in the United States Army, and was decorated for serving our country valiantly in Vietnam.
Bobby particularly enjoyed the hours he volunteered to numerous charitable programs with ABATE of Kent County. For many years he helped organize bike shows, played softball, participated in Road Clean-Up programs, collected for the Toys for Tots Program, and assisted with the Home Run events for the Delaware Home and Hospital. He was also a member of the Bay Area Hot Rods, Harleys Owners Group and the Moose.
He is survived by his father: Robert D. Hayden, Sr., of Harrington; his brother, John P. Hayden and his wife, Judy, of Harrington; four sisters, Patricia Campbell-White and her husband Donald White of Rehoboth Beach, Margaret P. Tice and her husband William, of Harrington, Lisa V. Hayden, of Lewes, and Frances Reed and her husband Robert, of Bridgeville.
Mr. Hayden is also survived by two daughters: Jennifer Hayden of Harrington, and Allison Hayden of Key Largo, FL; and three grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends who will all miss his wit and humor.
Graveside Services will be held Saturday, April 28, 1 PM, at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Henlopen Avenue, Rehoboth Beach where biker and rider friends are asked to assemble outside the cemetery at 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to ABATE of Kent County, P. O. Box 561, Dover, DE 19903.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE.
Send online condolences to: [email protected]
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