Elra Hayden

Elra Edwin Hayden, age 88 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, February 27, 2012, at Adams Street Place. Elra was born on July 4, 1923, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of the late Claud M. and Pearl Sweeten Hayden. He was married on August 10, 1964, in Miami, Oklahoma to Dorothy L. "Dottie Lou" Owens, who preceded him in death on August 19, 2006. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Elra was a 1941 graduate of Southern Boone High School in Ashland, Mo. He was employed as a corrections officer with the Missouri Department of Corrections, Algoa Correctional Center, for over 21 years retiring on July 29, 1988, at the rank of Sergeant. In his earlier work years, Elra (like so many local area residents) was employed by Tweedies Shoe Factory. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jefferson City and a Golden Member of the Eagles Club, Aerie 2693. Elra and Dottie Lou loved to travel. Over the years they visited all but one state, bringing home state shaped magnets proudly decorating the door of their refrigerator, placing them in proper order of the shape of the United States. Showcasing their travels are scrapbooks containing pictures and information about each state. He still found that Branson, Mo. was one of his favorite places to visit. He enjoyed country music. Elra was a meticulous man. Always dressed properly and handsomely, his hat created much discussion by his family when they tried to find a new one to get him for a present. Many computer searches were necessary to finally find out it was "simply" referred to as a newsboy cap. To the family's surprise, this style is very much the "in" cap now. Survivors include: one step-son, Harold "Whitey" Owens and his wife Judy Fox Owens of Jefferson City, Mo.; three granddaughters, Tawney Laucks and her fiancÈ Chad Temmen of Wardsville, Mo., Tasha Owens of Jefferson City, Mo., and Tami Ramelb and her husband Mike of Jefferson City, Mo.; seven great-grandchildren, Christopher Burns, Tyler Schanuth, Colter and Callie Laucks, Caysee Temmen, and Owen and Sam Ramelb. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 29, 2012. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Doyle Sager officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at www.freemanmortuary.com