Sep 10, 2002 2 min read

Mervin Ayers Hayden, 78, of Odenton, Md., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, at Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, Md. He was born Dec. 13, 1923, in Georges Township, Pa., and raised in surrounding communities.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Ayers Hayden and Florence Heeter Hayden, and his wife, Anna Mae Thomas Hayden.

Mr. Hayden was a retired machine operator from F. E. Gregory Construction Company, in Maryland. His hobbies included cars, hunting and fishing. He served in the Army during World War II, as a tank gunner and driver in the 2nd Armored Division, Company B, 66th Armored Regiment. He fought in Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland battles and campaigns. He received a Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, with three Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Surviving are his daughter, Barbara Roberts of Odenton, Md.; two sons, Mervin J. Hayden of Gambrills, Md., and Daniel W. Hayden of Odenton, Md.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Joseph Robert Hayden of Greencastle, Pa.

Friends will be received in the H. DAVID MCELROY FUNERAL HOME, 807 Main St., McClellandtown, Pa., today from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002, until 11 a.m., the hour of service. Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, Pa.