FORREST HAYDEN

1928 - 2016

1928 - 2015 In thanksgiving and celebration for the extraordinary life and contributions of Forrest Lee Hayden, Sr., inspired adult educator and loving husband, father and friend who passed away in 2015. Born and raised in Mississippi, Lee was educated in public school and at St. Stanislaus, where he excelled academically and in sports, graduating Valedictorian in 1945. Lee served in the United States Army 1946-48 during the Korean Occupation. He completed a two-year pre-engineering course at Perkinston Junior College and married Margaret Dantagnan of Bay St. Louis, MS. Lee enrolled in The University of Oklahoma, graduating with a B.S. in 1951 and an M.S. in 1952. He joined the Extension Services Division of The University of Oklahoma, began his career in adult education, and he and Maggie started a family. Lee returned to the Gulf Coast twice for employment opportunities and in 1966, returned to Oklahoma and remained in adult education for the rest of his career. Lee "pioneered one of the most innovative Continuing Education programs in America," and helped to coordinate the design, construction and opening of the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education (OCCE) in 1962. OCCE facilities continue to serve OU's Outreach/Continuing Education program today. Lee's dedication to adult education won him numerous service awards from the National University Extension Association. In 1972, he became OCCE's Director of Short Courses and Conferences managing approximately 450 conferences annually, coordinating planning and program development for 125 of them. In 1975, he married Jan New, Educational Coordinator for the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Lee sought and accepted a position with the Human Resource Development Service of the Oklahoma State Office of Personnel Management in 1985, helping to design and deliver management training programs for more than 12,000 state employees annually. By 1993, he became Director of their Management Development Division, later receiving a Governor's Commendation for dedicated service to the citizens of Oklahoma. He retired in 2003. Lee enjoyed travel, reading, politics, sports, current events, and the comfort of his home. After a brief period of hospitalization in 2015, his health declined. He was cared for by family and staff at Grace Living Center with Good Shepherd Hospice, passing in May. Lee gave his heart, mind, soul and energy to his work, family and friends. He loved finding new ways to grow and learn, and he encouraged and helped many people to continue their education. His mind was ageless, his humor irresistible, and his kindness and generosity well recognized. Lee was preceded in death by his father and mother, Julius John Hayden and Forrest Spring; his brothers, Julius John, Jr. (Lillian) and Eugene V. (Buck); his aunt, Mildred Copeland (Dick); and his former wife, Margaret. Lee is survived by his wife, Jan; his six children and their spouses: Holly, Patty (Nathan), Forrest Lee, Jr., Margaret (Conner), Dan (Caroline), and Michael (Toni); 12 grandchildren: Heather, Sarah, Jesse, Dylan, Aaron, Avery, Amelia, Noah, Jill, Alex, Reagan, and Benton; and one great-grandson, Joseph. Memorial contributions may be given to a heart, stroke, cancer, autism charity or hospice of choice; the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA); the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma; Oklahoma City Rescue Mission; or St. James Episcopal Church.