David Allen Haywood

David Allen Haywood, 68, died December 16, 2023, at his family home in Midlothian, Illinois. Beloved husband of the late Joan “Joni” Haywood; loving father of Gretchen (Dan) Kuhn and David Jr. (Jamie) Haywood; cherished grandfather of Jackson, Madelyn, Theodore and Annabelle; devoted son of Gloria and the late John Haywood; dearest brother of Debra (the late Thomas) Battistella, Nancy (Joseph) DiNovo and Paul (Donna) Haywood; half-ass in-law of Connie (Earl) Koehler; brother–in-law of Linda (Ken) Schmidtke, the late Randy (Joy) Heckler and Lisa (Dan) Spezeckler and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation Wednesday, December 27th from 4-8pm at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home 11333 S. Central Ave.; Oak Lawn, IL. Funeral Service Thursday, December. 28th at 10:30am. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery

Dave attended Christ Memorial Church in Blue Island, IL. Growing up, he had 13 years of perfect attendance to Sunday school. Eager to ensure he would meet Joni in heaven, the last few years he found a home at Anthem Church in Hammond, IN where he enjoyed friendships, fellowship, and faith.

Dave was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He always made an effort to be present for games, events, birthdays, holidays and anything that meant something to any of them.

The Blue Island Fire Department was a second home for Dave for 34 years. He absolutely loved the fire department, brotherhood, and bond formed with his fellow fireman. His passion for the fire department drove him to advance as Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Fire Chief. He retired from the fire department only to continue serving for MABAS where he also took on multiple leadership roles and finally officially retired in 2020 as an Operations Chief. Dave was proud to be recognized by MABAS with the Presidential Leadership Award in March 2020 and Fire Chief Emeritus in October 2023.

Many have said Dave had a huge heart with a small door. Once you found that tiny door, he’d do just about anything for you! Dave had a line or a story for just about any situation. He loved travel – especially to the national parks and baseball stadiums, the food channel, beer and bourbon, his ‘88 Corvette and car shows, showing his American pride with flags at Memorial Day ceremonies, and his 6-hour rule.

The family requests donations to Dave’s favorite charities instead of flowers. Please consider contributing to the American Red Cross (redcross.org) or 22Q International Foundation (22q.org).