Mr. Haydon “Doc” Klein Jr, 92, of Southside, passed away Monday April 26, 2021. Family visitation will be from 12:30 – 1:00. Regular visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday May 1, 2021. A chapel service will take place at 2:00 with the Reverend Wayne Hostetter presiding. Services will be held at Collier Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden. Burial will take place at Crestwood Cemetery.
Haydon was born in Louisville, KY on December 1, 1928 and moved to Attalla with his family in 1937. They had been forced out of their home by the Ohio River during the “Great Flood”. Haydon graduated from Etowah High School in 1947, where he was an accomplished student and football player. Haydon was unable to attend college due to the need to provide for his family. His father suffered from debilitating arthritis as a result of his service in World War I and was unable to work. Haydon went to work for Republic Steel upon graduation from high school and remained employed at the mill for 44 years. While there, Haydon worked in various capacities and eventually landed at the Plate Mill for the majority of his career. Doc received several commendations and recognitions for his good work, including helping automate the Plate Mill Reheat Furnace.
Health and fitness were always a foremost priority for Haydon. He was a pioneer in the area with regard to weight training. He was a competitive body builder and worked with many local athletes to improve their strength and conditioning. He started a weightlifting club called the “Iron Men” with a set of York Olympic barbells he purchased. Several of the young men he worked with would go on to star on the football fields of Etowah County and also in college.
Haydon is likely best known for his faith and service to his church. He was a long-time member of Dwight Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School for 50 years and served as deacon. He served as Chairman of the Deacons for multiple terms and was a trusted counselor and advisor to many pastors. He was an avid student of the Bible and had an extensive library that he used to prepare his lessons. Haydon has always had a servant’s heart and his life was lived as a prime Godly example. Haydon loved his church, his friends there, and above all, his Lord Jesus.
Haydon married the love of his life, Barbara, and they were married for 69 years before she passed away in 2020. Their love was one for the ages. Together, they traveled the world and made friendships across the nation. “Nana” and “Grandfather” raised three sons and loved their grandchildren dearly. Haydon and Barbara lived in Attalla for the majority of their married life, before having to move to Rainbow City and Southside for health reasons. Haydon will be remembered by his family and all that knew him as a man’s man, but with a gentle soul. A man with an unquestioned commitment to his family and his God.
Preceding Haydon in death is his wife, Barbara, his parents, Haydon Klein Sr. and Louise Kraft Klein, and brother Nellis Klein (Elsie).
Survivors include sons Bob (Shelley), John (Libby), and Bill (Stacy); grandchildren Joel Klein (Kim), Wes Klein (April), Lauren Warren (Josh), Ian Klein, Alexis Klein, and Harrison Klein (Savannah); Great Grandchildren Matthew Hyde, Kaylee Grace Klein, Jaycee Klein, Jackson Klein, Brayden McClain, Bella Klein, and Hugh Warren; Sister-in-Law Linda Griffin Smith; Many beloved nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Reva, Misty and the other caregivers at Compassionate Comforter for the care given to our dad.
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