Gary Eugene Hayward passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at his home in Robert, LA. Native of Kansas City, MO, longtime resident of Jefferson Parish and most recently a resident of Robert, LA. Age 79 years. Gary is survived by his loving children; Tamara Mangiaracina and her husband Anthony, and Kevin E. Hayward and his wife Michelle; his loving Ladyfriend of 31 years, Shelley Maillian; his devoted grandchildren, Alexander, Christopher, Tia, Tonya, Devin and Austin as well as his great grandchildren; Jared and Louis. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, the late Denton and Juanita Hayward.
Gary proudly served our country in the United States Air Force for 6 years, during the Korean Conflict and Cold War Era. He was a shop manager in the petroleum industry for over 20 years, and during retirement he volunteered for both East Jefferson General Hospital and North Oaks Medical Center for many years. Gary will be fondly remembered for the Christmas love and joy he brought so many as Santa Claus. He was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Rd. in Hammond, LA at 2:00 PM with Visitation beginning at 12:00PM. Flowers are welcome, but the family also respectfully requests that donations be made in Gary’s name to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, or the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Dr., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202.
