of Little Rock, AR
October 6, 1921 - June 25, 2013
Ernest Melvin Hayden, 91, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ernest was born October 6, 1921 as the second of three sons to Walter and Nobia (Jeffrey) Hayden in Optimus, AR. He graduated from Batesville High School in 1939 and then attended Draughon Business School in Little Rock. He was a giving and caring follower of Christ, devoted husband, dedicated father and engaging friend to everyone he met.
Following active military duty, Ernest returned to Melbourne where he married Nora Ann Miller in 1952. They were together for 58 years and raised three sons who were the focus and joy throughout their lives. He often gave credit to Nora Ann for helping him through a number of close calls with heart surgeries and regularly heaped praises on his children.
Ernest volunteered and served proudly in WWII as a US Navy medic in the South Pacific Theater where he participated in 8 amphibious invasions with the Marines taking care of the wounded and evacuating casualties. With action all around on many days throughout his service, the Lord blessed Ernest again and again with his loving and watchful hand to spare his life and bring him home safely.
Following his return to Arkansas, Ernest took over the family farm on White River where he raised Herford cattle for almost 20 years followed by becoming a real estate broker. Later he set up a woodworking shop for furniture and wood crafts and developed a fondness for making things for his family and friends as well as selling his products at craft shows. Ernest enjoyed trout fishing on the White River and deer hunting which he continued by killing a deer last year. In recent years he looked forward to visiting with friends each morning at the coffee shop and then in the final few months found much happiness in making friends at Elmcroft Assisted Living in Maumelle, AR.
Ernest gave thanks to the Lord for sustaining him during the war and through 10 surgeries especially in 2006. When the medical team had no options and only a prayer for a miracle would help, God brought him through the longest night of his life. When he shared his testimony in church and with young people, he quoted the Proverbs 3 verse ''Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.''
Survivors include Robert and his wife Anna of Little Rock and Greg and his wife Sandi of Nashville, TN and grandchildren Chris, Hillary, Whitney, Ashley and Chad Hayden. Also surviving are a number of nephews, nieces, and cousins. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nora Ann, son Carl, and brothers Howard and Dorr Hayden.
Pallbearers will be Gene Miller, Bobby Gray Miller, Tim Harvell, Chad Hayden, Billy Cooper, and Chris Hayden.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 28, 2013 at First Baptist Church, Melbourne, AR at 10am with Reverend Doyne Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Melbourne Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, June 27 at Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Melbourne.
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15 Condolence(s)
Rick Miller
Saturday, June 29, 2013
I celebrate Uncle Ern's life that the Lord gave us. I am grateful for his life and I am grateful to have known him.
Barbara Andreson
Friday, June 28, 2013
Charlie and I are so sorry for your loss. I wish we would have had the chance to meet him as I know he has made a difference in many peoples lives.
Dr. William Hayden
Friday, June 28, 2013
Joyce and I are sorry we couldn't be there today. So glad we had a chance to viist at the Cousin Reunion. Hayden Cousins are a special group. :Lots of love and prayers.
Kelly Morrison Moser
Friday, June 28, 2013
When I was a child, Mr. Hayden worked at the Millcrest Station. I would ride my bike there to buy pop and candy and just to talk to Mr. Hayden. He was a very special man. He and Mrs. Hayden (she was my second grade teacher) were both special to many of us. They are both greatly missed.
Sueann Richardson Pace
Thursday, June 27, 2013
A wonderful family. A meaningful life. A man of Christian faith who touched many of us along the way. A true celebration of real success--love, honor and faith.
John Smith
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Sorry for your loss. My deepest smypathy.
Mary Page
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Mr. Hayden is one of my heroes. He will be missed. Take comfort in that he is with his Nora Ann and his Savior, and no longer in pain. My deepest respect.
Randy Williams
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Anchors Aweigh shipmate! So sorry I could not make it to the funeral to honor a fellow sailor. I also served both the Marines and aboard an amphibious ship and enjoyed drinking coffee with him occasionally at the Pit Stop. He told me stories about my dad that I had never heard. (A bit of Navy history for those who may not know; "To "weigh anchor" is to bring it aboard a vessel in preparation for departure. The phrase "anchors aweigh" is a report that the anchor is clear of the sea bottom and, therefore, the ship is officially underway.") Thanks for your service BZ (Bravo Zulu which is a Navy code for "Job Well Done!"
Marilyn Diemer Earnheart
Thursday, June 27, 2013
So sorry to learn of Mr. Hayden's passing. I have thought of him often & missed seeing him in the office since his move to Little Rock. He was a fine man and always had an interesting hunting, fishing or war story to tell. I loved hearing them.
I know Mrs. Nora Ann was waiting with open arms for him.
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this time.
In His love,
Marilyn Diemer Earnheart
Angel Tatum Craddock
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Ernest and Nora Ann were a big part of my church life growing up in Melbourne. I will cherish my memories of them. Prayers for the family.
Sherry Lawrence
Thursday, June 27, 2013
So honored to have known Ernest Hayden. He was truly a gentleman and friend to all.
Tom Teague
Thursday, June 27, 2013
I had great respect for Ernest. Got the privilege of talking to him about his WW2 experiences a few month back. One of the greats from the "Greatest Generation".
Randy and Diane Zook
Thursday, June 27, 2013
MaY The Love Of God And Words Of Friends Comfort You.
I True Friend And Role Model.
Paula Roddy
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
sorry for your loss
our deepest sympathy
Vernon&Paula Roddy
David Helm
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
I am sorry for your Loss of your Dad Ernest was a Great Man & Friend to all that Knew Him You have my Sympathy
David Helm