Merle Hayden

Merle D. Hayden, age 90, of Charles City, IA, died on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City. Merle Donald Hayden was born July 4, 1922, the son of Earl and Mabel (Gleason) Hayden in Elma, IA. After graduating from high school in 1940 he drove truck for his dad. In 1943 Merle enlisted in the United States Army, and on June 23 of that year he was united in marriage to Lorraine Stapleton in Boise, ID. While in the military, Merle was in the 801st Aviation Engineers where he worked to build and repair air strips in the Azore Islands and Okinawa. He received his honorable discharge in 1946, returning to Elma, continued to drive truck. The couple moved to Waterloo. While there, Merle worked for Iowa Public Service. They then moved to Charles City and owned a trucking business for several years. Merle then worked Floyd County for 18 years until he retired in 1988. Merle was a member of the Charles City VFW post #3914 and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Chapter # 1409. He enjoyed his retirement and spending time with his grandson, Cole. He had a deep love for his wife, Lorraine and she for Merle. The couple enjoyed traveling the U.S. together. Merle is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lorraine of Charles City; their children, Sandra Kostka of Springdale, AR, Bill Hayden of Nora Springs, IA, Larry Hayden of Charles City, IA and Trish (Tommy) Hayden-Brown of Wake Forest, NC; one brother, Jack (Kay) Hayden of Elma, IA; one grandson, Cole Hayden of Waterloo and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cemetery: Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Elma, IA. Military rites will be provided by Elma VFW Post #597. Memorials may be directed to the family. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma and will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral mass on Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30am, Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, IA with Father Steve Garner celebrating the mass.