Dr. William J "Bill" Hayden Jr.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dr. William J. Hayden Jr. from this life. He will be greatly missed. Bill was born April 3, 1947, in Marshall, MO. His parents, Dr. William J. Hayden and Maxine D. Hayden, were life-long residents of Marshall. His father, William, was a well-known and respected veterinarian who served the local farming community. His parents instilled in Bill a respect for education and the value of defining a career in order to live well, provide for family, and guide others into constructive paths.

Bill embodied these teachings and did just that. He graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 1969, followed by Dental School in Kansas City. He practiced dentistry for several years in Marshall, then continued his education at UCLA with master's degree in public health in 1988. He joined the faculty at UMKC Dental School for several years and then finished out his professional career working with Met Life.

He was a student of life and a teacher to all. He never missed an opportunity to impart wisdom and had the patience of a saint while sharing the joy and discovery of learning in the process. His life lessons, both silly and serious, live on in everyone who knew and loved him.

Bill was a most generous person and his love of learning never ceased. He could do everything from dentistry, repairing cars, writing research grants, building an airplane (and its engine), making computers sing, building a log cabin home, playing the piano, crafting the most beautiful guitars, and the list goes on. The kid from a small town in rural Missouri became a true Renaissance man.

Bill was first married in 1968 to Jane Limpp. Their daughter, Julie Hayden, resides in Marshall. Bill's second marriage was in 1985 to Nickole Stauffacher. Bill is survived by his wife Nickole, daughters, Julie Hayden and Ursula McNamara, granddaughter, Katherine McNamara, and brother, Jack Hayden.

Private family services have been planned. The family thanks you for your condolences as they hold private services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Michael's Episcopal Church Necessity Pantry, 4000 Lee's Summit Rd., Independence, MO 64055 or to St. Luke's Hospice House, 3516 Summit, Kansas City, MO 64111.