Carmen Eugene Hayden

May 6, 1938 - November 25, 2017

Carmen Eugene Hayden passed away on November 25, 2017 at the age of 79 years. Carmen was born on May 6, 1938 in Hannibal, Missouri to Chester Lee and Helen Elizabeth (Daume) Hayden. His childhood was lived happily in Palmyra, Missouri and at the age of 12 he was baptized into the Christian faith at the First Christian Church of Palmyra. Carmen graduated from Palmyra High School in 1956 and graduated from Northeast Missouri State College (Truman State) in 1960. He later earned his Master’s Degree from the same college in 1965. On August 14, 1960 he married Mary Glennis King and to this union two sons, Kenneth Michael and John David were born. Carmen and Mary shared 57 years together. He began his teaching career in 1960 in Glasgow, Missouri. He then taught at Vandalia from 1962-1968. Carmen moved to Versailles in 1968, serving as high school principal for four years and the remaining 20 years as middle school principal. Carmen retired in 1992 after working in the Missouri education system for 32 years. Carmen was appointed as the Morgan County Public Administrator in 1992 serving until 2002. He served one year as treasurer and one two year term as the president of the Missouri Association of Public Administrators during this time. Carmen also served as a Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Safety Instructor for 35 years. He was a member of numerous local organizations and associations, including being a member of Versailles Lions Club for 49 years and serving as Morgan County Fair Board chairman. He was also a member of the Morgan County Cattlemen’s Association. Carmen was a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Missouri and maintained this membership for over fifty years. Carmen was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and many other education related organizations, including serving as the chairman of the Flottman Scholarship Committee for 15 years. He was a member of the Versailles United Methodist Church and served as financial secretary. Carmen is survived by his wife, Mary, two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenny & Debbie and John & Gayle, four grandchildren, Zachary and wife Alyson, Claire, Sarah, Luke and one great-grandchild, Chase, a number of nieces and nephews as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Carmen was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed a life well lived, full of love and service to others. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 29th, at the Versailles United Methodist Church with Pastor Lora Cunningham and Reverend Robert Ross officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Versailles United Methodist Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.