Edward "Johnny" Hayden

A true Southern gentleman, soft spoken and kind, beloved by many, departed this earth peacefully holding the hands of his two daughters on Monday, February 8, 2016, bound for his heavenly home. He was 93 years young, born on February 25, 1922. He was the fifth son of Leo and Josie Hayden. It is said he got his nickname of Johnny because being the fifth son, his parents had run out of names, so just called him Johnny until they decided on the name of Edward. To the end of his life, he was known to friends and family as Johnny. He was born in Independence, Louisiana and grew up on his father's farm. He served his county in the Army Air Force during World War II. After the war was over, he settled in Baton Rouge where he spent the rest of his life. He was employed at the Coca Cola Company, Uniroyal, and Exxon. Throughout his life, he was a huge sports fan, loving especially LSU sports of any kind. He was an avid golfer and loved to bowl. He leaves behind to cherish his memory 2 daughters and sons in law, Judy and Roy Landry and Kathy and Errol Labat, 4 grandchildren, Erin Landry Lato and husband Scott, Neil Landry, Nathan Labat and wife Jade, and Ashlyn Labat and fiancé Matthew Cawthon, and his precious joy, his great granddaughter, Hannah Claire Lato. He was loved by many nephews and nieces who, as the last surviving Hayden brother, he served as a father figure. He leaves behind a sister in law, Hazel Hayden, a special friend, Mildred Hastings, all of his friends at Lake Sherwood Retirement Village, and the members of his church, Goodwood Blvd. Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his sweet wife, Doris Parks Hayden, parents, Leo and Josie Hayden, and brothers, Aubrey, Denver, O D and his wife, Angie, and Milbert and his wife, Myrtle. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Thursday, February 11, 2016, from 10 AM until funeral service at 12 PM conducted by Tim Richardson and Jay Plunket. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pall Bearers will be Steve Hayden, Gary Hayden, Roy Landry, Neil Landry, Errol Labat, Nathan Labat, Rick Emerson, and Ron Rogers. I Corinthians 13:13."But the greatest of these is love." He loved greatly and was loved by many. He shall surely be missed.