Hayden Elmo Stair

Hayden Stair, 96, of Hartford passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 5, 2024. Hayden was born in Drasco, Ark., to Jesse and Fern (Cochran) Stair on Dec. 31, 1927. He married his wife, Angie Wanecek on June 12, 1971, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him was his daughter, Theresa Stair; both parents and two brothers: Calvin and Jessie C. Stair.

Hayden spent his youth on the family farm in Drasco. As a young teen he came to Michigan to find work at the farms in Keeler, returning to Arkansas to log and work the sawmill in the winters. After settling in the area, he worked for more than 35 years at Auto Specialties in Hartford. During the Auto's strike in the early '80s, he started Hayden's Taxidermy and worked both jobs until retiring in 1986 from Auto, then continued working as a taxidermist for another 35 years, fully retiring at the age of 91 in 2019. As a taxidermist, he was a perfectionist but took the time to explore his creativity making Jack-a-lopes and other unique mounts.

Hayden was always a hard worker. For decades he maintained a large garden to provide for the family. He was also a handyman, taking care of his home, helping his daughters, and always there to help a friend. He was an avid outdoorsman his entire life. He loved fishing, hunting, camping as well as daily hikes through the woods into his 90s.

His beautiful smile, sly sense of humor, and truly caring soul will be loved and missed by his sister, Francis Gill of Arkansas; two daughters: Sandra (Lonnie) Morris and Linda (Lloyd) Taylor; two stepdaughters: Carla Baldwin and Kimberly Boysen (Lou Price); nine grandchildren: Brian (Dana) Morris, Tonya (Matt) Melton, Kari (Lonnie) Bennett, Hilary Furney, Corey (Morgan) Baldwin, Angela (Stephen) Falk, Steven Boysen, Melissa (Troy) Allen and Donald R. (Denise) Baldwin. He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford, where at 6 p.m. a celebration of life service will commence. Pastor Gary Guthrie of South Haven Community Church will officiate. Hayden will be laid to rest in the Friendship North Cemetery outside of Drasco. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Caring Circle of Corewell Health Lakeland, St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.