Lucius Octavious Hayward

Lucius Octavious Hayward, age 82, of Holt, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born November 1, 1943, the son of Lucius VanOctavious Hayward and Mildred Helen (Cross) Hayward. Lou was a lifelong resident of the Greater Lansing area. He was a 1962 graduate of Grand Ledge High School. On August 30, 1963, Lou married Karenlee Walters at the Pennway Church of God and God blessed them with over 61 years together.

Lou dedicated 25 years of his life to serving the Lansing, Michigan community, retiring as a detective from the Lansing Police Department. His commitment earned the respect of all who worked with him. He didn’t know a stranger and greeted the world with a happy heart and a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor that could light up any room. Lou found his greatest peace in the simple joys of life—spending time with his family, camping in Charlevoix, attending church camp in St. Louis, casting a fishing line into quiet waters, and taking long drives through the countryside. Whether in uniform, fishing gear or his Sunday best, Lou lived with warmth, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the people he loved. After the passing of his beloved wife, Lou missed her every day and his family takes comfort in believing they are now reunited in heaven and singing together once again.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karenlee; his parents; sister, Betty (Hayward) Lucus; brothers, M. Eugene Hayward, Gordon Hayward, Gary Hayward, and Ronald Hayward.

Lou is survived by his five children, Mark (Carrie) Hayward of Lansing, Michigan, Scott (Debbie) Hayward of Grand Ledge, Michigan, Rob (Sharon) Hayward of West Lafayette, Indiana, Chad (Michelle) Hayward of Noblesville, Indiana, Gina (Staci) Hayward of Olivet, Michigan; sister, Joanne (Gary) Ford.

Lou’s love of life lives on in his twenty-one beloved grandchildren; Christopher Hayward, Joshua (Kelsey) Hayward, Jeffrey (Cali) Hayward, Britan Hayward and Danielle, Miranda (Kevin) Lutz, Angelica (Ezekiel) Martinez, Kyle (Lauren) Hayward, Mark Edison Hayward, Kevin (Ashley) Hayward, Madeline (Kyle) Sehgers, Mackenzie (Adam) McLaughlin, Kelsie (Kage) Williams, Caroline Hayward, Ellerie Hayward, Liam Hayward, Russell (Alexis) Pliley, Brianna (Sam) Ryan, Bryce Pliley and Lauren Roberts, Rabecka Pliley and Gavin Clower, Megann (Jake) Henski and Matthew Davis. Lou was also the proud great-grandfather of twenty.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11 A.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday February 13th from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A private burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery at a later date.

To view Lou’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com