Neil Hayden passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 10, 2022. He was born on January 15, 1970 at St. Elizbeth’s Hospital, Belleville, Illinois to a large family of 9 siblings, a lifelong resident in Millstadt, IL. Neil attended BTHS West class of 1988, attended Ranken Tech and Southwestern Illinois College. He was employed by Ameren as a CAD operator in Belleville, Illinois. He was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church, Centreville, IL, a board member with Victorious Missionaries, and volunteer at National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Lloyd and Joann (nee Bodenburg) Hayden
- Half sister: Linda Hayden
- Three nephews
- Derrick Wurth
- Kenneth Hayden
- Nicholas Lemmon
- Maternal grandparents: John and Dorothy Bodenburg
- Paternal grandparents: George and Martha Hayden
- Faithful companions, his dogs: Wyzee and Jack
He is survived by his:
- Siblings
- Timothy (Debbie) Hayden of Charleston, SC
- Gregory Hayden (significant other Cyndy Robb) of Millstadt, IL
- Sheila Wurth of Millstadt, IL
- Mary Jo (Craig) Billhartz of Shiloh, IL
- Annette Hayden of Racine, WI
- Matthew (Courtney) Hayden of Millstadt, IL
- Jennifer (Lee) Mutchie of Union Grove, WI
- Gayle (Max) Parris of Millstadt, IL
- Godchildren
- Danielle Mutchie
- Sarah Hayden
- Brett Greenley
- Nieces and nephews
- Curtis Hayden
- Destini (Mike) Strieunoski
- Rachael Wurth
- Ryan (Krystin) Lemmon
- Rebecca (Matt) Konecek
- Dustin Robbins
- Adam Romero
- Nicole (Brett) Simek
- Matthew (Tatiana) Hayden
- Zachary Hayden
- Sarah Hayden
- Mandie (Tommy) Brice
- Danielle Mutchie
- Lukas Mutchie
- Dylan Mutchie
- Bryce Oldham
- Victoria Oldham
- Laurie (Frank) Menn
- Michael (Linda) McIntosh
- Anthony Geromiller
- Madison Parris
- Mya Parris
- Kendra Billhartz
- Blake Billhartz
- Many great nieces, great nephews, and friends
Special Thanks: We want to thank all of Neil’s healthcare providers, caregivers, and drivers during the 30 years of his quadriplegic condition for your hard work, strength, knowledge, support and friendship, we are truly grateful for all you have done for Neil and our family.
“God works in unexpected ways. That is the best way because it grabs you more.” By Neil Hayden.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to bahspets.org Belleville Area Humane Society.
Visitation: Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, IL,
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, December 16, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Father Matthew Elie officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
19 Comments To "Neil Hayden"
#1 Comment By Dawn Carver-Didion On December 12, 2022 @ 11:59 am
I am so sadden to hear. It had been years since I had seen him but he was always a kind soul. My sincere condolences.
#2 Comment By Mike Wachtel On December 12, 2022 @ 12:03 pm
Our deepest sympathy to the Hayden family.
Mike & Cathy
#3 Comment By James P.Casson On December 12, 2022 @ 2:14 pm
You are Riding that Dirt Bike in the Sky my friend.
Rest Easy Neil!
#4 Comment By Howie On December 13, 2022 @ 12:32 pm
You know that’s right!
#5 Comment By Kish family On December 12, 2022 @ 3:21 pm
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Neal was always a huge ray of sunlight to all who knew him. He always had a huge smile an a joke no matter what, he was always an inspiration to all around him.
He will be sadly missed. God bless your family.
#6 Comment By Carrie ( Hewitt ) Picariello On December 12, 2022 @ 6:40 pm
Neil was a great fun loving friend at BTHW! I will always remember our gym periods with aerobics in the back of the class laughing. My condolences to the family , Carrie ( Hewitt ) Picariello
#7 Comment By Tina (Moses) Lato On December 12, 2022 @ 7:15 pm
Prayers for the Hayden family.
#8 Comment By CAROL LYNN PORTER On December 12, 2022 @ 9:54 pm
My heart goes out to the family. I knew Neil from racing with my Son Larry Porter Jr. Had a lot of fun in Vegas with Neil. Whis I was Illinois but I am in Florida and can’t make the services.
#9 Comment By Dan and Linda Johnson On December 13, 2022 @ 9:35 am
We are so sorry to hear. God bless you all and may Neil rest in the peace of our Lord.
Let perpetual light shine on him. Danny and Linda Johnson
#10 Comment By JOE Mitan On December 13, 2022 @ 10:55 am
I expres my Sympathy to the Hayden family,,, went to school at Immaculate Conception and Church with Neil,, Thinking of the family 🙏
#11 Comment By Dawn M Miller On December 13, 2022 @ 12:53 pm
This saddens me. Neil was so positive and always had such a positive attitude. Running into him here, there and our conversation via PM. Rest in Peace Neil and sending condolences, hugs, love and prayers to his family.
#12 Comment By Tom Sliment On December 13, 2022 @ 1:31 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Neil was always kind and smiling.
#13 Comment By Tom and Cheryl Belt On December 13, 2022 @ 1:32 pm
Our deepest condolences to the Hayden family. Neil was a beautiful soul and will be missed by all who knew him
#14 Comment By Marianne Schaefer On December 13, 2022 @ 2:06 pm
I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your loss.
Neil was a classmate of our son and was always a pleasant person to be around.
He never let his serious injuries stop him from living a positive and productive life and loving creatures great and small. Rest in peace Neil!
#15 Comment By Michelle Barbeau-Jones On December 13, 2022 @ 6:26 pm
I would see Neil out and about every few years. He was always so nice and easy to talk too. We had a special bond remembering my sister and sharing my family stories/events.
Deepest sympathy to the hayden family, friends and all his healthcare workers.
#16 Comment By Lynn Jarman On December 14, 2022 @ 4:05 pm
I knew Neil from LINC. He was a good man and participated in many things to make life better for people with disabilities. He is literally walking with God now, may family and friends know peace.
#17 Comment By Joey Avellone On December 13, 2022 @ 7:25 pm
Neil was my mentor when I first got paralyzed. He introduced me to all types of sports and recreational activities for quadriplegics. We instantly became friends and remained friends until his untimely death. He used to pick me up in his van and take me out. We always had a good time together!He was such a nice guy and had great sense of humor!
My condolences go out to his family.
#18 Comment By Marianne Schaefer On December 13, 2022 @ 8:44 pm
My sincere sympathy for Neil’s family. May he rest in peace.
#19 Comment By Bro. Tom Ruhmann, OMI On December 13, 2022 @ 9:02 pm
Sorry to hear that neil passed away. He was a real asset to the Victorious Missionaries. We’ll be keeping everyone in our prayers.