Jerry Hayden

Jerry Edward Hayden, 80, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, took his heavenly flight home to Jesus on September 27, 2025. He was born on August 16, 1945, in Wright City, Oklahoma, to Fred Joseph Hayden and Verna Lorene Hayden (Fox). Jerry lived a full and meaningful life, marked by service, hard work, faith, and love for his family.

Jerry graduated in the top ten of his class at Herman High School in Herman, Nebraska, in 1963. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 and continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1969. Over the years, Jerry worked as a Journeyman Cement Mason with Local 528, served as Chief Deputy in Burt County, Nebraska, and pursued his passion as a semiprofessional fisherman. Beyond his work, Jerry found purpose in his faith. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Valliant, Oklahoma, where he served as a Deacon and led the CD ministry.

Jerry was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, mission work, and building things with his hands. He loved storytelling, studying the Bible, and sharing his wisdom with others. He was also known for his loyalty to his dogs, his humor, and his frugality, which often turned into lessons of gratitude and resourcefulness for those around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jo Anne Hayden (McAllister); his son, Brian Edward Hayden; his father, Fred Joseph Hayden; his mother, Verna Lorene Hayden Dixon Miller (Fox); and his sister, Elizabeth Ann Eide (Hayden). Jerry is survived by his daughter, Becky Jo Sarratt (Hayden), and son-in-law, Jeremy Sarratt. He was a proud grandfather to Jessica Vance (Hayden), Andrew Hayden, Joelle (Tiffany) Sarratt, Holly Schmedicke (Hayden), Ashley Sarratt, James Hayden, Kaytlin Sarratt, Emily Sarratt, and Wyatt Pender; and a cherished great-grandfather to Madalyn Sarratt, Brantley Fowler, Charlotte Vance, Annabelle Vance, Statum Quijano, Marley Schmedicke, Sadie Schmedicke, and Joyce Anne Silvernail. He is also survived by his nieces, Faith McCoy, Brenda Mathis, Janis Pascoe; and nephew, John Eide.

A graveside service will be held at Valliant Cemetery in Valliant, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Jerry's remarkable life and legacy. Jerry will be remembered as a man of deep faith, unwavering love for his family, and a storyteller whose memory will live on through those who loved him.

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