Robert L. "Pop" Hayden

ADRIAN – Robert L. (Pop) Hayden, 100, died Sunday, July 19, 2009. He was born November 16, 1908 in Durand, Michigan, the son of Lewis A. and Leah A. (Johnson) Hayden. Bob lived for a brief period in Owosso, Michigan and in 1912 the family moved to Elberta, Michigan. He graduated from Elberta High School in 1926 and from Central State Teachers College at Mt. Pleasant in 1931 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and later a M.A. Degree from the University of Michigan. In October of 1932, he married Zona E. Duncan of Traverse City. He started teaching in the Elberta Public Schools in 1932 and was employed there until 1935. Then he moved to Adrian and was employed in the Adrian School System until he retired in July of 1974. While in Adrian he taught Social Science and coached basketball, baseball and assisted in football in the high school for about twelve years, followed by a period as a Counselor-Assistant Principal in the high school. Then a period of twenty years, as High School Principal, and he continued with the remainder of his tenure at the Board of Education. He was the last Principal of Senior High School (Grades 10-11-12) and the first Principal of the current High School. After leaving the High School for the new position at the Board of Education, while there 7 years, he noted the handwriting on the wall, that all school employees were no longer employed after the age of sixty-five. He began to think retirement. Then, on July 1st, 1974, with some other employees too old to continue to work there, he retired for a different way of living. No more school work – a vacation during his bonus on longevity – family, this and that, and the program of Mother Nature. He liked Adrian (home since 1935 on McKenzie St.), the people – what the city offered. He was active in the local Rotary for over fifty-seven years – a feeling of responsibility to society. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Zona, sons, John R. Hayden and Steve L. Hayden, sister, Mary Alice Green and a brother-in-law, Curtis Green. Survivors include daughter-in-laws Mary V. Hayden of Lansing, Nancy (Hayden) Cochran and her husband Del of Adrian. Grandson, John (JR.) Hayden of Adrian. Granddaughters Lynn (Cochran) Sager, and Kristen Cochran. The funeral service for Bob will be on Thursday, July 23rd at 11 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home. Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, July 22nd from 1-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. Burial will take place at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the local Alzheimer’s Association or the local charity of your choice. You may also send condolences or sign the register book at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. Envelopes are available at the Wagley Funeral Home.

Robert L. "Pop" Hayden

November 16, 1908 - July 19, 2009