Joseph Albert "Jodie" Haydon

1945 - 2025

Joseph Albert "Jodie" Haydon, 80, a lifelong resident of Bardstown, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Born on March 1, 1945, Jodie lived a life rooted deeply in faith, service, family and community-a life that touched countless hearts and left an enduring mark on the place he proudly called home.
A graduate of St. Joe Prep and Bellarmine College, Jodie believed firmly in the power of education and hard work. These values carried him through a lifetime of leadership and public service. He served his country honorably in the Army National Guard, completing a tour in Vietnam, and later went on to represent his community as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives. Over the years, he dedicated himself to numerous organizations, including the Kentucky Lottery Commission, Bardstown City Council, the Knights of Columbus, and the Kentucky Crushed Stone Association, where he served as Chairman. He also served as Chairman of Flaget Memorial Hospital and was inducted into the Bethlehem High School Hall of Fame-a testament to his longstanding devotion to uplifting others.
Professionally, Jodie was a respected businessman and former President of Haydon Holdings, but it was in his community involvement and personal relationships where his character shone brightest. A devoted member of St. Joseph Parish, he gave generously of his time, talent, and heart. Whether mentoring young people, offering wise guidance to friends, or lending a hand wherever it was needed, Jodie lived his belief that service was both a duty and a privilege.
Above all, Jodie's greatest joy was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother-someone whose presence warmed every room he entered. His seven grandchildren were the pride of his life, and he never missed a sports game, school event, or milestone moment. His daughters grew up with the certainty that their father would always be there-steady, encouraging, and full of the kind of wisdom that could brighten any dark day. He taught perseverance not by words alone, but by the optimistic, determined way he lived each day.
Jodie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Greenwell Haydon; his parents, Joseph Albert and Leona Isabelle Blanford Haydon; his brothers, James Gregory Haydon and Charles David Haydon; and his sister, Sherry Haydon Bruce.
He is survived by his daughters, Allison Haydon Osborne (Chris Osborne) and Amy Haydon Pehlke; and by his cherished grandchildren, Caroline, Christopher (Amy Luu Osborne), Haydon, Nicholas and Miller Osborne, and Amelia and Hilary Pehlke. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Florence Barnes (the late Bill Barnes), Norma Jean Haydon (Ben Barber), Steve Haydon (Carole Haydon), Cathy Greer, Charlotte Bickel (John Bickel), John Haydon (Mary Ellen Haydon), and Paul Haydon (Umaara Haydon); brother-in-law, Karlos Bruce, along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Jodie Haydon lived a life defined by loyalty, faith, generosity, and love. His strength carried his family through difficult times, and his optimism inspired those lucky enough to know him. Bardstown is better because he was part of it.
A funeral will be on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, with the Very Rev. J. Randall Hubbard presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Barlow Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Jodie's story will continue to live on in the community he served, and in the hearts of the family he loved so deeply.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem High School and St. Joseph Church.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.