Kenneth J. Hayden

Ken Hayden, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Casper, Wyoming, on May 14, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on December 19, 1956 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Ken lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, and deep devotion to his family.

Raised in an oilfield family, Ken learned the value of adaptability, perseverance, and protecting those he loved from an early age. Though his family moved often throughout his childhood, they eventually returned to Casper, where he completed his schooling and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1975, finishing in the top ten of his class.

Ken’s love of bowling began young and ultimately led him to the love of his life, Calla, whom he met in 1978 at the Eagles Bowling Alley. Together, they built 47 years of marriage filled with laughter, resilience, and unconditional love. Ken was a proud father to Cole, Chris, Brandi, and Dan, and later found great joy in becoming “Papa Kenny” to his grandchildren.

Ken spent 30 years working in the oilfield with Halliburton, taking him throughout Texas, Michigan, Colorado, and Wyoming. He was respected for his strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to help anyone in need. Outside of work, Ken and Calla invested in rental homes, where his talents as a true jack-of-all-trades were always evident. There was little he couldn’t fix, build, or improve with his own hands. Some of his favorite moments were spent working alongside his dad and sons on projects. It was in these moments he learned and, later, taught lessons that reached far beyond tools and craftsmanship.

He was his daughter, Brandi’s, rock. He always had the right words to bring her calm in any storm. Brandi knew to call her dad when she needed anything, and he never failed to answer or find a way to lend his helping hands or an encouraging word and patient ear.

In his “spare” time, Ken enjoyed bowling, golfing, trips to the casino, and, most of all, time with family. He shared a special bond with each of his children and grandchildren, always offering encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support. His family will forever remember his familiar nicknames — calling his sons and grandsons “Sonny Boy,” and his wife, daughter, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters “Sweetheart.”

Ken will be remembered for his fierce loyalty, generous spirit, work ethic, and the steady love he gave so freely to those around him. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the family he cherished above all else.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Leona Hayden; his sister Gloria; and his brother Andy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Calla; his children, Cole (Wendi) Schofield, Chris (Heather) Hayden, Brandi Hayden, and Daniel (Christie) Hayden; his grandchildren, Kelsi (Jake), Hannah, Chole, Kaleb, Reagan, Devin (Caitlynn), and Luke; his great-grandchildren, Violet and Luke; his sisters, Monica and Sandy; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Ken's memorial service will be at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Newcomer. 710 East 2nd Street, Casper, WY, 82601. There will be a gathering following his service at El Marko Lanes where loved ones will toast, gamble, and bowl as Ken would have wanted us to celebrate his life, one of the places he felt most comfortable and made the most memories with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Special Olympics Wyoming.

To share a memory of Ken or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.