Milton Hayden

Milton Hayden

Dec. 26, 1939 - Feb. 19, 2016

GRANGER - Milton Hayden, 76, left this world for eternal life in Heaven with our Father, Jesus Christ on Friday morning at Hospice House in Elkhart. Milton was born to Ransom Sr. and Odie Mae (Free) Hayden in Diaz, AR and grew up in nearby Newport. After graduation from Newport High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and retired 20 years later as a Chief Petty Officer. He then went on to retire from the Department of Defense. Milton met Joyce Marie Beck in Norfolk, VA while serving as a destroyer sailor; they would later marry and raise three children, Gary B. Hayden, M. Charles Hayden JR and Kim Latimer-Grannan. Milton was a charter member of the St. James United Methodist Church, Goose Creek, SC. He enjoyed sports, square dancing, music, home projects and gardening. Milton volunteered much of his time to work with Boy Scouts of America. He loved anything to do with Clemson University and was very proud that all three of his children obtained Clemson degrees. Milton was a family man first, a hard worker second. The love of Milton's life was Joyce, his wife.

Milton is survived by his wife, three children and their spouses along with fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A gathering of friends and family will be Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at Chapel Hill Memorial Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN 46561. A funeral service with full military honors will immediately follow starting at 2:00 pm at the funeral home, with Captain Earl Carter (U.S. Navy retired) officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family's preferred memorial contribution may be made to Hospice of Elkhart County, 22579 Old US 20 E, Elkhart, IN 46516 in Milton's memory. To sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence go to www.chapelhillmemorial.com.