Donald Edward Hayhurst

Donald Edward Hayhurst, 98, of Deatsville, Alabama, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 4th at Open Door Baptist Church followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM in the church sanctuary with Pastor Ken Stodola and Pastor Daniel Weierbach officiating. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

Don was a prime representative of the "greatest generation". He served his country in both war and peace time. He kept his word and he endured difficult times. In 1943 he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was 18 years old. He was sent to Texas to train and then sent to England. He was promoted to Tech Sergeant and crossed the English Channel in June 1944. He endured the "great storm" in the channel but finally landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. He led a tank recovery unit and eventually his unit was in support of General George Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. He earned five battle service stars. He also was awarded Frances highest award, the French Legion of Honor medal! In September of 1945, Don was granted a field commission in Kassel, Germany. In 2018, Don was able to return to the beaches of Normandy with a Veterans group and with one of his former students, Alex Moore. Don also answered the call of his country when he returned to active duty to serve in the Korean War.

Don realized at an early age the importance of education. After the war, Don returned home and enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He would go on to also earn his PhD. Don was instrumental in the creation of the political science department at Auburn University. He also served as Professor of Political Science from its founding in 1968 to 1988. He loved Auburn University and also the city itself. He decided to get involved directly in politics and won election as the Mayor of Auburn, AL in 1976. He served as mayor from 1976-1980. As mayor, he led in the development of a new industrial park and the renovation of downtown and "Toomers Corner".

Don enjoyed cruising with his wife Joyce and they were active members at Open Door Baptist Church in Prattville, AL. Don was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. His favorite verse of scriptures is John 11:25, "Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believes in Me, thou he were dead, yet shall he live."

He is survived by his son, Dean C. Hayhurst and Scottie Senn of Montgomery, Alabama; .his daughter, Brooke Elizabeth Smith and her husband Mark of Parkersburg, West Virginia; five grandchildren Parke Smith, Bryce Smith, Layke Smith, Chadwick Hayhurst, Benjamin Hayhurst, and one great-grandchild Catalaya Hayhurst. He is preceded in death by his mother, Sarah G. Stansbury-Hayhurst, father Clarence 0. Hayhurst, his brother's Bob Hayhurst, Ralph Hayhurst and Dale Hayhurst, his sisters Marjorie Zink and Dorothy Lou Snyder and son Doug Hayhurst. Pallbearers will be Bill Cooper, Major US Marine Corps; Matt Swofford, Lance Corporal US Marine Corps; Wil Sanchez, Lieutenant Colonel US Air Force; Daniel Weierbach, Master Sergeant US Air Force; Russ Gunton, Staff Sargent US Marine Corp, Gerry Wagner, Master Sergeant, US Army. Patriot Guard will be escorting funeral procession to Auburn for burial.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsprattvillechapel.com for the Hayhurst family.