John C. Hayden, 76, of West Terre Haute, passed away April 6, 2014 in his residence after a courageous 4 1/2 year battle with multiple illnesses. John was born January 13, 1938 in Houston, Texas to Louis and Lillian Lawrence Hayden. John shared his lifelong fascination with Science through being a Middle-School Science Teacher for more than 32 years. During his tenure, he spent one year at Paris Middle School in Paris, Illinois, 18 years at Marshall Junior High School in Marshall, Illinois, and 13 years at West Vigo Middle School in West Terre Haute. John served for six years as a Military Police Sergeant in the United States Air Force, where he received distinguished awards such as, Small Arms Marksmanship, and SKT Achievement Awards . John graduated from Concannon High School in 1955 and then attended Indiana State Teacher’s College where he received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He later returned to Indiana State University, where he received his Master’s Degree, also in Biology. John was a member of St. Benedict’s Parish in Terre Haute for many years, and was also a member of the St. Ben’s Men’s Club. He was also a member of the American Legion, and a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. John was an avid musician, oftentimes entertaining his family and friends by playing the organ, piano, trombone, and other instruments. John had many achievements during his career as a teacher, including Teacher-of-the-Year and Developer of the ICS Science Program at Marshall Junior High School. He received a commendation from the State of Indiana for his years of service. He was the founding sponsor of the West Vigo Junior High Chess Club. John had many achievements outside of his teaching career. He, with his parents, owned and operated the Lawrence-Krehe Photographic Studio from 1948-1969 and developed the Kenwood Subdivision in West Terre Haute. John was a caring and just Educator who inspired each of his students throughout his long career. He will be deeply missed. John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Jo Ann Hayden; one son, Dr. Rob Hayden and his wife Michelle of Richmond, KY; one daughter; Holly Hayden-Garland and her husband Gary of Alpharetta, GA; one brother-in-law, Jerry Judson and his wife Shelda of Terre Haute; three sisters-in-law, Janelle Smith and her husband Steve of Green Valley, AZ, Phylis Reece of Terre Haute, and Marilyn Fagg and her husband Jerry of Terre Haute; four treasured grandchildren, Eli and Ian Hayden, and Hayden and Hannah Garland; his beloved cousins, Mrs. June Anderson and daughter Amber, Donna and Pete Glodjo and their children Angie and Adam; a dear niece, Dr. Christi Bartley and her husband Dr. Tim Bartley; and four life-long buddies, Larry King, Don Blair, Jim Hogue and John Daniel. John is also survived by many other friends, family, and loved ones. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held with Military Honors at St Benedict Church on Saturday April 12, 2014 at 12:00 Noon Eastern Time, with Father Ed Goldbach officiating, a luncheon follows in the Parish Hall. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made either to St. Benedict Church or VNA Hospice of the Wabash Valley. Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, was entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.greinerfuneralhome.com
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