Known for her big heart and many community contributions, Sedalia icon Barbara Hayden, 83, died Thursday, March 7 at her home. Hayden was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2015 but continued to live a life of doing things for others.
According to her obituary, Barbara Jo Hayden was born to William and Geraldyne (Copenhaver) Dishman on Oct. 8, 1940, in Warrensburg.
She married Robert (Bob) Hayden on Nov. 19, 1960, at Northeast Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, and they were married for 63 years. Hayden and her husband founded Starline Brass, now of Sedalia, in 1976 in West Covina, California, where she ran the office and handled the accounting duties. In the late ‘80s, Hayden became interested in local politics and ran for the Downey City Council at-large-seat, which she won. She then served as the Mayor of Downey as part of her term.
While in California, she also served on the Downey Planning Commission, the Cerritos College Board of Trustees, and the Los Angeles Republican Central Committee, 54th District. In 1992, Hayden decided not to run for reelection because she and her husband decided to move Sierra Bullets and Starline Brass to Sedalia.
Her obituary states that once in Sedalia, the Haydens bought WoodDale Farm, built a new home, and she became the CFO for Starline Brass Inc. Hayden also served on the State Law Review Board and “was thrilled” to accept the Governor's appointment as a Missouri State Fair Commissioner for nearly two decades.
On Monday, March 11, Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore told the Democrat that Hayden was "the ultimate Missouri State Fair fan in many ways."
"Barbara was, in addition to serving as a State Fair commissioner, she was also a sponsor for over 20 years, sponsoring Cowboy Mounted Shooting, the Missouri First Lady's Pie Contest, and Missouri 4-H and FFA events," Moore added. "She was an avid supporter of youth in agriculture and often got a kick out of giving the other buyers some competition for bidding on champion hams and bacon at the annual Governor's Ham Breakfast.
"With a twinkle in her eye, she often came out on top at the end of the bidding," he continued. "Barbara wasn't just a commissioner, or just a sponsor or just a supporter; however, she was an important member of the Missouri State Fair family and will always have a special place in all of the lives she touched."
Her obituary noted that many knew her as a friend who was always there to lend a helping hand. The Hayden Freedom Foundation was created to support the many charities Hayden and her husband were passionate about now and in the future.
Hayden and her husband also contributed to the Liberty Center Association for the Arts capital campaign in 2016. LCAA named its arts building the Hayden Liberty Center in their honor. On Monday, LCAA Board President Andrew Treuner said they have "definitely lost a good citizen of Sedalia."
"I've known the Haydens since they came to town," Treuner said. "And they have been very giving of time and resources to our community. She obviously is going to be missed by many.”
Treuner added that the Haydens are much like John Homer Bothwell of the 21st century. Bothwell was a Sedalia philanthropist in the early 1900s.
"Someone who's going to leave a mark on Sedalia, with all of their philanthropy," he noted. "It's not just the Liberty Center; it goes from the Boys & Girls Club to the Trail's End to CASA. Anytime there was a fundraiser or a need, they stepped forward."
Emily Schmidt, Director of Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri, said Hayden was a "wonderful supporter and advocate" of the community.
"Especially for the causes that were near and dear to her heart, including Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri," she added. "She had a true philanthropic spirit and was generous with her time, talent, and treasure. She will be very missed in Sedalia."
Hayden and her husband were the primary backers of the Trail's End Monument on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Dr. Doug Kiburz, with Trail's End, remembers Hayden fondly.
"There may not be enough accolades to describe Barbara Hayden," he noted. "But let me start with determined, conscientious, committed, dedicated, and diligent with a fine sense of humor."
Hayden is survived by her husband, three children, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Broadway Presbyterian Church, 209 W. Broadway Blvd. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Heckart Funeral Home.
Faith Bemiss-McKinney can be reached at 660-530-0289.
