Richard L. Haywood

Richard Levon Haywood was born February 14, 1915 to Clarence & Hazel Haywood of Auburn, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, both parents and two brothers Leslie and Charles. Richard married Evelyn Lavada Soderman from the Houghton Lake area on February 7, 1944 and faithfully loved her through their 61 years together. Richard and Evelyn adopted Kim (Jim) and Vicki and loved them as their own children. They were foster parents to Linda, Janet, Juanita and Victoria between 1967 and 1977. Richard and Evelyn have four grandchildren: Rani (Dave), Jimmy (Vanessa), Peter and Emily and 6 great grandchildren: Zachary, Peter, Ainsley, Bradley, Alexander and Britney. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Rosemary, a special niece, Gail, nephews, cousins and their families. Richard will miss the Haywood family reunion tomorrow but will be remembered with love by many cousins. Richard loved our Lord Jesus, loved to read his Bible, loved people and loved music. He faithfully served in church ministries (especially the children's Bus Ministry) at Roseville Missionary Church for 34 years, and Houghton Lake Bible Church (presently known as Faith Community Church) for 18 years and attended Calvary Baptist Church since 2004. He supported many missionaries over the years and especially loved to see at risk children enjoy the Youth Haven Ranch experience in Rives Junction, MI. Richard served five years in the Civilian Conservation Corp in Grayling planting trees and cooking for the crew. He also served as a cook and baker in the US Army during WWII in Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Ardennes. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Ribbon and the American Theatre Ribbon. He retired from J.L. Hudson Company in Detroit after 26 years of service and returned to their hometown of Houghton Lake. He was a member of the VFW post #5853 and past post commander. He also volunteered with RSVP in Roscommon and delivered Meals on Wheels for several years in the Houghton Lake area. Even though Richard grew up during the difficult depression years, suffered a family separation, had scarlet fever which left him with hearing loss and was only able to attend school through the 8th grade, it did not discourage him from living a victorious life. This was due to his tremendous faith in God. He overcame the difficulties and was content with what he had. Richard loved people and offered a word of encouragement with his smiling face or a written note to many friends and acquaintances. He will be missed greatly and will be remembered as a faithful and loving man. To the special caregivers from Heartland Hospice and the two Jeans' Thank You! 1 You loved and cared for him so well and he loves you back. Visitation at Calvary Baptist Church in West Branch will begin Friday, July 31, 2009 from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. Pastor Tom Teall will officiate. Burial will take place at Roscommon Twp. Cemetery at 3:00 pm with Rev. Robert Russell officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to Youth Haven Ranches, Rives Junction, MI 49277.