Richard Hayden

Richard Hayden, 56, of Jefferson City, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020. He was born on August 22, 1964, in Columbia, Missouri, a son of Robert "Bob" and Jane (Rolls) Hayden. Richard was a graduate of Hickman High School in Columbia and Missouri State University in Springfield. Ever since he was a young boy, he wanted to be a police officer. He was employed with the Jefferson City Police Department where he served the community for over 22 years. He was a motorcycle officer, an accident investigator, field training officer, a member of the department honor guard and the SWAT team. Richard was active with the Special Olympics and participated for many years in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Polar Bear Plunge, and Tip a Cop. He also took part in Shop With a Cop. He enjoyed going to the gym and was a committed runner. Richard was an artist and dedicated much of his free time to Jefferson City Special Olympics and Yadi's Pittie Pals. What he enjoyed most was going to his children's sporting events and to cheer them on through every milestone of their lives. Richard is survived by his sons: Andrew, Sam, and Daniel of Jefferson City; daughter: Sarah of Jefferson City; his girlfriend and her son: Chelsay and Colton Braun of Jefferson City; mother: Jane Hayden of Jefferson City; brothers: Gary of Everett, Washington, David of Hallsville, and Robert (Bridget) of Ashland; and his sisters: Karen Sue of Platteville, Colorado, and Jo Ann (Fred) Hayden of Aurora, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his father: Robert (Bob) Hayden and his sister-in-law: Paula Hayden. Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Sam Powell officiating. Interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. The service will be broadcast live at the following link, https://youtu.be/b-dcOmPh9VA In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Special Olympics. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.