Larry Hayden

Larry R. Hayden of Kalamazoo, MI passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the age of 75. Larry was born May 25, 1942 in Eveline Township, Charlevoix County, MI to the late Frank Knapp and Emma Ann (Beyer) Hayden. Larry retired from the U.S. Navy where he served from February of 1963 until his retirement in July of 1985, serving 22 years. Among his decorations were, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Expeditionary Medal. After receiving his Bachelor degree, he worked 22 years in the accounting field, retiring from Citizen's Credit Union (Lake Michigan Credit Union) at the end of 2010. Larry was proud to have been an active member of the Boy Scouts of America where he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, its highest honor. He also served as Unit Commissioner for 8 years. Larry volunteered at Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation averaging 53 hours per week, and was a member of the Wednesday Honor Guard at Ft. Custer for over 1,500 hours. Larry is survived by his children, Travis Gary (Amanda) Hayden and Erica Hyatt Hayden, a grandson, Jackson Alexander Hayden; siblings: Arlene (Ken) Staley, Doug (Marilyn) Hayden and Steve (Margie) Hayden; sister-in-law, Lynda Hayden; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and the mother of his children, Cheryl Hayden. He was preceded in death by siblings: Tom Hayden, Kay Chew, Mary Gibbons and Ernie Hayden. The family will greet friends on Saturday, September 16th from 9-10:00am at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., where a memorial service will begin at 10:00am. A private interment for family will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Boy Scouts of America, Southern Shores Field Service Council, miscouting.org.