Louis "Buddy" Raymond Hayden

Buddy served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. On June 23, 1956, he married Emma Lou Clifton in Rocky Comfort, Missouri. He attended Central Technical Institute, where he studied Radio & Television Engineering.

His career with Martin Marietta took Buddy and his family to Colorado, North Dakota, Washington and Kansas before they settled in the Kansas City area in 1965. He then began a long career with TWA, retiring in 1994.

Outside of work, Buddy enjoyed golfing, bowling and waterskiing. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and, from time to time, would simply show up at his grandchildren’s house for a visit—one of those little memories that has stayed with them through the years. A quiet man of few words, Buddy will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature and for the long, full life he shared with those who loved him.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Melva Hayden; his brother, Max Hayden; his sister, Maxine Cooper; and his wife, Lou Hayden.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam (Robert) Miller of Lone Jack, Missouri; son, Barry Hayden of San Diego, California; grandchildren, Alysha Miller of Grain Valley, Missouri, and Chad (Kennedy) Miller of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; sister-in-law, Dorothy Jones of Monett, Missouri; and four nieces and two nephews.

Buddy spent the last three and a half years at Silverado Memory Care Center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. His family is sincerely grateful to the staff for the kindness, care and compassion they showed him, and to Luminos Hospice for the comfort and empathy they provided in his final days.

Buddy will be laid to rest alongside Lou in Rocky Comfort, Missouri. In keeping with the family’s wishes, no local funeral or memorial service will be held. The family plans to gather privately in Rocky Comfort to honor Buddy’s life and lay him to rest.