Hayden, Donald L., passed away, Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Don was a loving husband of his wife Janice (Nee Martin) for 47 years. They built a beautiful home together that included an extensive book and record collection matched by very few. With Don, family and home were always valued above everything else.

He is the brother of Phyllis (the late Bill) Burkett, Warren (Debora) Hayden,  Lydia (the late Albert) Evers and the late Linda (the late Dan) Staley; brother-in-law of David (Kim) Martin, Darrell (Kathy) Martin and the late Lee Martin;  uncle of 16, great-uncle of 32, great-great-uncle of 13; our dear cousin and friend of many.

There was tremendous mutual respect and commitment between Don and his siblings which was extended to their children as well.

Don was a passionate lover of gospel music and often travelled with Janice and other friends to conferences and conventions. At the conventions he was recognized as an authority on Southern Gospel Music.

He was a huge fan of St. Louis Cardinals which began when he was a member of the Knothole Gang at Sportsman's Park in North St. Louis.

Don's deep love for the city of St. Louis began during his childhood in North St. Louis and grew even stronger as an adult living in South St. Louis. Don committed 30 years of his life to serving as a building inspector, helping preserve St. Louis' many architectural treasures and historic homes.

Don was incredibly proud of the educational institutions he attended, especially Beaumont High School and Washington University, where he excelled academically. Following his studies, he was recruited to work for the renowned architecture and engineering firm HOK as a stress and structural analyst.

Don will be greatly missed by his entire family and many friends.

Services: Visitation at Twin Rivers Church, 10575 Tesson Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63123, Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment Shepherd Hills Cemetery, Barnhart. If desired, contributions may be made to the Young at Heart Ministries at Twin Rivers Church . As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.