Michael E. Hayden, 73, of Sandusky, Ohio passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at Firelands Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born in Columbus, Indiana on April 20, 1947 to Harold H. and Patricia L. (Harvey) Hayden. Michael was raised in the Williams County area.
On April 2, 1966 he married his first wife of 20 years, Sherry Hutchinson. They resided in Ingham County, Michigan and had 5 children. In 1965 he was drafted by the United States Army and served his tour in Vietnam. He received a purple heart with honors for 2 years of service, and receiving an injury during combat.
After his divorce in 1986, he moved back home to Ohio, where he met and married his second wife of 12 years, Nancy K. Heston on July 8, 1989. They both resided in Williams County, Ohio with her three daughters.
In 1986 Michael earned his GED and went to a trade school for welding. He worked for Dexter Axle in Fremont, Indiana for many years, until retiring in 2001. Michael had a big heart and a strong bond with his family, and deeply loved all of his children. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, telling jokes and collecting NASCAR memorabilia. Michael was a sucker for classic cars, hot rods and sports cars.
Michael was preceded in death by his father Harold Hayden on July 24, 1984 and second wife Nancy Hayden on July 27, 2001.
He is survived by his mother Patricia L. Hosler of Quincy, Michigan, first wife Sherry Hutchinson of Ionia, Michigan; eight children, Shelia (Dennis) Wells of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Stephanie Lincoln of Montpelier, Ellen Hayden of Paulding, Ohio, Michael C. (Lois) Hayden of Ionia, Michigan, Amy Heston of Bryan, Tisha Heston of Charlotte, Michigan, Elicia (Donald II) Gear of Ada, Ohio and Melissa (Jason) Ryal of Ionia, Michigan; twenty two grandchildren, two great grandchildren; four siblings Russel Hayden and Sharon Vanvlerah, both of Bryan, Deborah Lehman of Paulding, Ohio and Laura Thiel of Camden, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services will be held with military rites provided by the Pioneer Veterans. Michael will be laid to rest at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local D.A.V. Chapter.
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