Kendrick Keith Hayward
Kendrick “Kenn” Keith Hayward of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 85. Kenn was born on July 27, 1938, in Michigan, one of the 12 children of Marenus and Frances (Cucksey) Hayward. He met his wife, Sue Hunt, while stationed with the US Air Force on the Royal Air Force Alconbury base in Cambridgeshire, England, where he worked as a switchboard operator, and Sue worked as a civilian switchboard operator. They married on January 1, 1960, at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, and together lived in Eaton Rapids for their entire married lives. Kenn spent many years working as a die sinker at Lindell and Melling drop forges in Lansing and was a landlord to many tenants at several properties that he and Sue purchased over the years. Along with Sue, Kenn was the owner and operator of the Basket Case antique shop in downtown Eaton Rapids for 25 years and enjoyed going to area auctions and yard sales to look for treasures that he could fix up and sell. He especially loved tinkering with old clocks, radios, and toys, many of which he kept at home to enjoy. He also loved fixing up bicycles. Kenn loved traveling and especially enjoyed his trips to England and annual motorhome camping trips in destinations with water. He enjoyed birdwatching and would keep a pair of binoculars handy while on vacation so he could see the birds and other wildlife closely in order to identify them. More than anything, Kenn was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family and the time he spent with them. He greatly appreciated his extended family, as well, and rarely missed a family reunion.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Hayward; daughter, Michelle “Shelly” Hayward; his parents, and 10 siblings. Surviving are his sons, Wayne (Tracy) Hayward, Darren Hayward; daughter, Yvette Hayward; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The family received family and friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.