Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

baird-freeman@yahoo.com

Earl William "Pete" Hayden, age 81, of Portland went home to be with Jesus surrounded by his family on Wednesday February 5, 2025.  He was born in Delaware County on July 9, 1943 the son of Arnold and Grace (Borem) Hayden.  He was married on September 6, 1969 to Shirley Franks who survives.

Pete was a Vietnam veteran and was proud to be an American.  He served his country in the Army from 1965 to 1967. Through all his trials he never lost his love for his family or his faith.  Pete spent his life helping others and taught his girls to do the same. He loved to be outside mowing with his grandsons.  He taught his family to persevere and to believe in the goodness of others.  He had a love for life and a fun personality.  He brought light and joy to anyone who knew him. He loved to play practical jokes on his friends and family.  He was always grateful for life and anyone who helped him. He taught us all to look for the best in everything.  We learned to respect everyone we met.

He was a member of the D.A.V., V.F.W., American Legion Post #211 and Bryant Wesleyan Church.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Shirley, four daughters Tonya Sharp (husband Kevin) of Clinton, TN., Melinda Hayden of Portland, Tammy Bogenschutz (husband Marc) of Portland and Rhonda Monroe (husband Duane) of Portland, two brothers Les Hayden (wife Stella) of Winchester and Tom Hayden (wife Quanda) of Portland, sister Patty Noble (companion Gary) of Redkey, brother in law David Hill of Berne, Ten grandchildren Ryan Denney (companion Shannon) of Redkey, Kyle Denney of Portland, Aaron Bogenschutz (wife Janel) of Greenwood, Julie Fields (husband Jesse) of Cincinnati, Taylor Fisher of Muncie, Darren Bogenschutz (wife Sara) of Albany, Lyndi Snyder of Clinton, TN, Josh Monroe of Portland, Blake Bogenschutz of Portland and Jacob Monroe of Portland, Great granddaughters Adriene, Karyssa, Alena, Ariah and Kenize, Great grandsons Declan, Kellen, Boston, Kamden, Ben and Beau. Several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Robert Hayden and a sister Nancy Hill.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday February 11th at 11:00 AM in the Bryant Wesleyan Church with Pastors Paul VanCise and Joe Hines presiding.  Burial with military rites by American Legion Post 211 will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday from 3:00 – 7:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.  Memorials can be made to Gideons or Heartland Hospice or any Veteran Organization.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com