Michael Francis Hayden, 79, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at his home in Port Charlotte.

Michael Francis Hayden was born on April 14, 1944, in Waterloo, Iowa, as the eldest son of Searles and Alice (Mahoney). At the age of three months, he received a life-saving dose of the miracle drug “PENICILLIN” to combat whooping cough and pneumonia. Mike attended Sacred Heart grade school and completed his freshman year before transitioning to the newly combined Columbus High School, where he proudly graduated in 1962. He then enlisted in the US Navy, successfully completing boot camp in San Diego, California. Over the course of three years, he served aboard the USS Kearsarge carrier VS 29, embarking on tours to Hawaii, China, Japan, the Philippines, and the Bay of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam. During his service, he even had the unique opportunity to host John Wayne when the actor visited the ship while filming “In Harm’s Way,” an encounter that forever made him a devoted John Wayne fan.

In May of 1964, the USS Kearsarge played a role in the 1964 Olympics during the official games, a memorable moment captured in a displayed photograph. In May 1963, the USS Kearsarge played a significant role in the pickup of astronaut Gordon Cooper during Orbital Flight 8. In 1964, Mike received the ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL FOR VIETNAM AREA OF OPERATION. Shortly before his honorable discharge, he married his high school sweetheart, Kay von Gillern, at Blessed Sacrament Church. He was known as “the Fonz,” and she as “the Cheerleader,” a dynamic duo celebrated among fellow sailors as “GO SAILORS!” Following his military service, Mike and Kay returned to Waterloo, Iowa, where he joined his father’s business, Searles Hayden & Son Sign Company, established in 1949. He also pursued his education at the University of Northern Iowa, completing two years under the GI bill. In September 1968, they relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where Mike worked for Globe Neon Company while attending Engineering School. He successfully earned his degree in May 1973 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha – UNO.

Mike’s professional journey included five years in GE inside sales, followed by a 28-year tenure as the Manager of Lakeland Engineering Equipment Company. Upon retirement, he and Kay embarked on a 12-year period of extensive travel, complemented by their timeshare on Kauai. Their travels included a memorable 2008 European tour, visiting Italy, Germany, France, and England. A highlight of this adventure was their visit to Eagle’s Nest in Germany, once Hitler’s summer residence, where they encountered the still-operational GE motor that powered an all-brass and gold elevator. Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, Mike was an avid remodeler and a perpetual project enthusiast. Every home they owned underwent a comprehensive top-to-bottom renovation before being sold. He also devoted his time to coaching softball teams for his children at Prairie Lane Little League and continued to play on three softball teams until the age of 56. He was known for wearing a shirt that humorously proclaimed, “Give it to Mikey – he can do it.” Mike had a deep passion for history, particularly the events of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which he researched extensively. He visited the sacred Pearl Harbor memorial on three occasions, always displaying the American flag and honoring its precepts, along with observing all flag and military holidays. His life motto was clear: “GOD FIRST; THE AMERICAN FLAG & MOM’S APPLE PIE!” Mike also had a delightful sense of humor and delighted in playing pranks on his family. Mike and Kay’s journey together led them to various homes, including 7 years in Benson, NE, on 65th Ave, followed by 17 years in Prairie Lane, and a 28-year chapter in Ginger Cove (Valley). They spent 3 years at Stone Creek before relocating to Port Charlotte, FL, to be closer to their eldest daughter, Mary Ellen, for health reasons.

Surviving family members include his son Christopher (Kim) Hayden and their children Seth, Justine, Mitchell, Joshua & Alec, all of Jacksonville, FL; son Seth (Melanie) Hayden and their children Sam, Jaxson & Macy Jane, of Valley, NE; daughter Justine of Jacksonville, FL, and her daughter Maven; son Joshua of Omaha, NE, and his daughter Laekyn; daughter Mary Ellen Hayden and her children Alicia, Madison & Emily, of Punta Gorda, FL; daughter Alicia (Chris) Wilson and their children Brayden, Braxton & Braelyn, of North Port, FL; daughter Madison Lipsys and her children Colton & Olivia Rose, of Port Charlotte, FL; daughter Shelly Hayden-Fitzgerald (Ken) and their children Ashley (Nathan) Berman and their children Lexi & Cayden, of Coppell, TX, and MacKenzie, who resides at home.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00AM, Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel. Pastor Rich Webb of Faith life Church in Port Charlotte will be officiating followed by military honors by the American Legion Post 254 of Port Charlotte. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Life Church, 21090 Iliade Ave. Port Charlotte, FL 33952; Step up to life, 3125 Oak View Drive Omaha, NE 68144; Hope Center for Kids, 2200 N. 20^th Street, Omaha, NE 68110 or Fresh Start for all Nations, P.O. Box 540373 Omaha, NE 68154.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.