March 27, 1947 ~ December 29, 2021
Born in: Owensboro, KY
Resided in:
Owensboro, KY
Thomas “Earl” Hayden, age 74, of Owensboro, KY, passed away on December 29, 2021, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Earl was born on March 27, 1947, to the late Theodore and Gertrude Hayden. He was preceded in death by his siblings, T.P. Hayden, Mary Hayden Blackburn, and James Hayden; and his son, Nicky Hayden.
Earl is survived by his wife, Rose Marie (Kamuf) Hayden; and his children, Tommy (Christie) Hayden of Owensboro, KY; Jenny (Joe) Hansler of Ogden, UT; Roger Lee (Dana) Hayden of Owensboro, KY, and Kathleen (Brent) McFadden of Owensboro, KY. He is also survived by his brother, Marty Hayden, and his sisters, Alice Howard, Margaret Velotta, and Ann Ruth Thompson, all of Owensboro. Earl leaves 7 grandchildren, who were the light behind his broad smile; Olivia, Klaudia, Vera, Kyla Jo, Kate, Colt, and Lillee.
Earl was passionate about his faith, and was a long-time member, along with his family, of Precious Blood Catholic Church. He was known as a kind and generous soul, who always had others in mind. Earl enjoyed being a Big Brother, and he mentored many young people, especially in the sport of motorcycle racing.
Additionally, Earl was extremely proud and supportive of his charitable works, particularly the St. Joseph Peace Mission, The Hayden Home for Girls, and The Nicky Hayden Apartments. There were also countless times he supported worthy causes without acknowledgment.
Earl will long be remembered for his love of the sport of motorcycle racing. He was a fan at all levels; from local dirt tracks to international raceways all over the world. Earl’s personality was larger than life, and as a storyteller, he was incomparable – simply the best. He shared his love for racing with his family, who all participated and achieved phenomenal success, always supported and cheered on by Earl and Rose.
Services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, January 1, 2022, at St. Stephen Cathedral. Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Friday, December 31, 2021, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory and again 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory.
The Hayden family appreciates all the kindness and outpouring of love they are receiving, and ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Earl’s memory to the Nicky Hayden Memorial Foundation.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hayden. Share your messages of condolence with the family of Thomas “Earl” Hayden and sign his virtual guestbook below.
Services
Visitation: December 31, 2021 1:00 pm - December 31, 2021 5:00 pm
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory
519 Locust St.
Owensboro, KY 42301
https://www.haleymcginnis.com
Visitation: January 1, 2022 12:00 pm - January 1, 2022 1:30 pm
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory
519 Locust St.
Owensboro, KY 42301
https://www.haleymcginnis.com
Service: January 1, 2022 2:00 pm
St. Stephen Cathedral
610 Locust Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
https://www.haleymcginnis.com
RIP Earl. You were a great inspiration to many and raised a great, kind and beautiful family.
I’m heartbroken…. so sorry for your loss. Great man, Great friend! Prayers for the family.
Our deepest sympathies to the family
Long time friends and race track family
The Pegram family
You were an inspiration to us all Earl. God speed!
RIP Mr Hayden
My eyes are leaking. Blessings on Rose and the family.
The legacy of Mr. Hayden will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace sir !
God Bless the Hayden Family !!!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the Hayden family, RIP Earl.
I had the great pleasure and privilege of spending time and conversations with Earl. He was a good businessman, family man and incredible teacher. We need more men like Earl to develop our youth, could see and guide there talents. Godspeed you will be missed Thoughts and prayers, love you Brother.
With love,
The Sherritt Family
Earl leaves behind the best legacy any parent can hope for: a great family. Thanks to his example, I believe they’ll carry on in ways that would make him proud.
I remember when Rose asked me to make a flag for the racing team. It was an honor to make it for the team! I am in Nashville receiving my second Stem cell transplant so I know cancer all to well. My deepest sympathy to the whole family. May peace fill your hearts and souls for Earl is with his Heavenly Father🙏🏻
Earl was a special
Man with a big heart, my family enjoyed spending time with him and all the family at the races. I still remember him going above and beyond for my husband many years ago in Paducah Kentucky when my little brother Paul Morgan III raced and we all went to a banquet there. Our family is sending hugs and prayers for you all, The Morgan and Lockwood families
Earl will always be a legend and a great role model for other dads getting their kids into the sport. Sending my prayers and love to the Hayden family.
Deepest sympathies to Earl’s family. His influence on his family was immense. As a Moto GP fan from Ireland I watched Nicky achieve the pinnacle of his career with his beloved father by his side. No doubt they are together again regaling 2006. RIP Earl. “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”
John, Paula, Alex and Lauryn
Much love from California
Gods Speed to the Hayden family. I’m sure he’s timing Nicky’s laps at some track in heaven.
We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers . So sorry for your loss. May the Lord surround you with His Peace and Comfort .
God Speed Uncle Earl. Much love
My sincerest condolences to Earl’s family.
A shining light of promise of what can be. A life well lived with many others better because of Earl and family. Deep condolences to the Hayden family.
A tremendous legacy is what Earl left us with. Thank you Earl!
And thank you Rose for being such a shining light for families in or out of motorsports!
Earl was the Dad we all wished we had!
Positive vibrations for the entire clan.
See you on the other side Earl
God speed sir
Jim and Connie DiSalvo
So sorry to hear this. Loved when Earl came into the dentist office. He always has a smile on his face and was the kindest man if he was getting a teeth cleaning but a quivering chin when he was having other work done. He will be missed. Prayers for the whole family. Nicky will welcome him with open arms
Thank you for your friendship, Mr. Earl may you now R.I.P
What an amazing man! You’re family is such an inspiration because of you and Rose! What a great accomplishment!
Condolences and prayers to the Hayden family and to everyone that knew Earl. Respectfully, Nick, St. Louis Missouri.
Carla Rowan
Rest In Peace Earl.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hayden family and all those that knew Earl. Rest easy.
The Hackney Family
RIP tell your son he was my favorite since I through my leg over a bike. Rest easy bubba.
I will always cherish the many chats I had with Earl beginning back on the WERA days. After that if I knew he was at the track I was certain to hunt him down for a few words at least. In my life, racetracks and Earl were a thing. He will be missed. My best to all.
There are no words that can be stated on how dedicated Earl Hayden was to his family. I’m so sorry to hear of Earl’s passing. I pray that God will give you peace
Great person. Had a few conversations at the races! Always a fun and passionate person.
Love and peace to all the Hayden family. Earl was a giant in the racing community that so many of us love, his contributions will never be outdone. My prayer and belief is that he is taking a very well earned victory lap with Nicky!! God Bless you Earl, you will be sorely missed.
To the Hayden family. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great loss. May he Rest In Peace now with his son Nicky and together they will be watching over the rest of their family. I will always remember Earl bring a passionate man about the things he truly cared about, especially his family. 🙏🏻
Rickey Gadson
My husband and I are extremely sorry to hear about Earl’s passing.. Our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻 Are with all of you.. sending love and light your way..
Our deepest condolences 💐,
Milner Family
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
And for all your love’s sake.
Amen.
May he rest in peace with his loved ones who have gone before him.
❤️🐿
So very sorry for the sad loss of this true Gentleman, much love to Rose and the Hayden Family xxx
My thoughts and prayers to Mrs Hayden and the whole family. Love from France
Deepest condolences to the Hayden family. We were proud Belgian motogp fans of Nicky69. Would it be possible to get a prayer card and send it to Familie Demeyer Hemelrijk 27 8570 Vichte (Belgium) . thx
Sorry for your loss. Another great Hayden man had passed away….
Forever in memory,
Albert Grijpstra (The Netherlands)
Rest in peace 🌹
So sorry for this sweet family.
Prayers sent from the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Heaven definitely gained a true servant.
Our love and prayers are with the Hayden Family!
My deepest sympathies to the entire Hayden family.
To add to the chorus of race fans; I too have talked to Earl on quite a few occasions over the years in the paddock and hotel lobbies. Just an anonymous guy, walking up to him and talking racing. He was always so gracious, so genuine, easy to talk to and share a laugh with. He will be missed.
R.I.P. Sir hayden
My toughts are with you all! ❤
From the Netherlands
Roger Oerlemans
We need more good people like the Hayden family Bruce & Darlene Russell
Bruce & Darlene Russell
Dear Earl,
I’m writing this from the Netherlands acknowledging the amazing legacy you’ve left behind, and one that maybe didn’t live for long on this earth, but has an everlasting place in our hearts.
I was there in Assen 2006, a bloody hot day, seeing Nicky winning that final battle – I was inspired as a kid. And you caused that, sir. Your son Nicky, did it!
You’re an inspiration to many fathers out there that aspire to build a loving strong family – and that’s recognized here in Europe.
RIP and may the Almighty grant you a lofty rank in the hereafter.
Truly a great man in the racing world who gave us hours of spectacular entertainment through his son’s that he raised and taught so well.
Rest In Peace Earl.
Got to “know” Earl through Nicky’s posts.
A real dad for all of you.
All the best to all of you from Holland.
Godspeed, I know you and Nicky have a lot to catch up on. Tommy and Roger have got the family covered and they will be in immaculate care. RIP champ.
To Rose and all of the Hayden and Kamuf families:
While unable to make the visitation or funeral due
to my recent surgery Paulette and I wanted all to
know we were saddened to hear about the passing
of Earl, and extend our Condolences and sympathies
to the families. I have known Earl for many years
including those way back in the days of
Boswells Harley Davidson in Owensboro and
the early racing years as well as use
attending Precious Blood Church with the family.
Earl and his charitable works Will Certainly be missed.
Larry & Paulette Boswell
Owensboro, KY
Rest in Peace… my friend… brother in law… traveling companion heading to support out kids in racing when they were little… and one of the craziest men I have ever met!! Stories about your antics will help us all through your “movin’ on to be with Nicky” (and others… just tell them all hi for all of us). I will always remember the times we did travel together and since we are “both big talkers” the only way for me to get my words in was to put my hand over your mouth, feel you smilin under my hand, and say”My turn!” I remember a particular time heading through Gatlinburg in a motorhome.. a dead black bird.. and people bailing out of the motor home while it was creeping through traffic!! We never knew what you would do next!!! I still have the picture of Kerri at your house the Christmas you made sure she had a competitive motorcycle (she was 5 or 6 ) and of course the trips taking Michael (her older brother and the first to travel with you) to the races and you starting the ball rolling for the mini classes! HL Weakley and you taking Terry Ebelhar, Eddie Thompson, Gil Bosley.. so many young kids, including Michael, to have fun at the races!! You started the young ones and the classes were there for your own kids and so many others.even today…. Earl’s Race Team was recognized all through out the racing world…..Tommy, Jenny, Nicky, Roger Lee. and Kathleen all racing #69. Course when our grandkids, the 3 Gillim brothers came along .. well.. they had to follow suit.. to the races they all headed.. Frankie Lee, Hayden, and Ethan Gillim.. and Jake Lewis .. all part of the younger Earl’s Racing Team.. Thank you Earl Hayden.. you will be missed but certainly not forgotten. May God bless the best wife and mother (Rose) for being there and putting up with and joining in with all that Earl ever wanted to do..and comfort all in both families.. the Hayden side and Kamuf side through this time…
Rose, Tommy, Jenny, Roger Lee, Kathleen, and families,
Sincere sympathy to each of you. As a high school classmate, neighbor, and friend we would see Earl waving his hand or tooting his car horn as he drove by. Our thoughts and prayers…..may God give you spiritual peace during this sorrowful time and may Earl rest in peace.
The Hayden Family, You have my condolences and will be in my thoughts.
I hadn’t seen Earl in several years and I missed the big smile, jokes, comments and stories! My condolences to Rose and the family! RIP Earl.
So sorry to hear of Earl’s passing..know he had been battling cancer for some time..knew himand his family for many years ..my thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Sending Prayers to all, and Thank You Sir for sharing your love of Two Wheel Racing we all are Thankful.
You have touched so many people.
I never had the chance to meet them, but I’ll be forever thankful to Nicky and Earl, for sharing, not only with the family, but with all the motorcycles lovers in the world, this passion.
I like to think he’s reunited with Nicky now 🤍
All my thoughts are with each one of you, Haydens
Legends are forever.
My prayers go out to the family! The Bible says we know them as we knew them on earth! So I know him and Nicky are having a great Reunion! ❤️🙏
Spent a lot of time chatting with you all.
We have family in Hardinsburg and Irvington. I started riding at age 7. My family lived, ate and breathed motorcycles.
Godspeed Sir.
Sending our loving sympathy and prayers to the entire Hayden family,
and asking God to bless each and everyone of you.
Ed and Diane Hansler
Kym Hansler and family
Sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for your family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jian and Bill Mulligan
My thoughts are with Earl’s family. You may not be there anymore but the footprint you leave is big. Rest in peace, your son is waiting for you on the other side.🕊
Will Miss You Dearly
We are sending our sincere condolences to Rose and the entire Haden family.
The Don Ethell Family
Such a wonderful gentleman who will be greatly missed.
We send our prayers and much love to you all.
Sincerely, The Bosley Family
Gil, Linda, and Kim
Fred and Beverly
Rest in peace Earl.
Very happy to have known you.
Then Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death.
And he said:
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
I have many fond memories of Earl , and he gave me many words of wisdom to live life by and treat people, which I still use to this day…thank you Earl..
My love goes out to the Hayden family
Prayers to the whole family. My heart is breaking while heaven is rejoicing.
So sorry to hear of Earl’s passing. He was one of a kind and will be missed. Love and prayers to you all.
All my Love to Rose and the family Earl loved so very much❤️
I always felt a deep admiration for you and your family. always supporting Nicky in his career and enjoying the bond that the Hayden family has.
We will miss you as much as him. Give him a hug from us.
I send you all my love from Spain
Dear Hayden family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying that God surrounds you with peace and comfort during these difficult times.
Chris and Beth Pyles
RIP Earl
To the Hayden Family and crew. I am sorry to here that you have lost one of the funniest, most generous and lovable people on the planet. I don’t pray very much but I will tonight. God bless
Jimmy Gaw
Our deepest sympathy to all the Hayden family. May he rest in peace with his beautiful son. Love from the Berry family Phillip Island Australia.
My sincerest condolences to the Hayden family at this difficult time.Earl was one of a kind, he would take the time to chat with us fans at the track like we were a long time friends.
His values were evident with the rest of the family as well,true class that is appreciated even more today.
Stopped by 2nd Chance Auto Sales at the time in ’05 in OWB on my way back from visiting my folks.I appreciate the hat I got just for coming in,that was so special.
Thanks again for the memories.
Love and prayers to the Hayden and Kamuf families…Tom and Patty Mills Reynolds
So many broken hearts left behind….one open heart up in heaven…with thoughts & prayers for ALL…Godspeed Earl….May God give strength to your Family ❤️ ✝️ ❤️ 🙏
Much love sent ❤️
The world lost a great man today but Heaven has gained a Angel and I’m sure he and Nicky are standing together watching over there loved ones may God give the Hayden Family peace in there loss today and all the days of there life. Goodbye my friend.
I am so very sorry to hear about Earl passing on, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family. Rose, Love Ya, Steve Thornberry.
Take Care,
The Durelle’s
You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of Earl. Earl came in first on his last race and the Good Lord & Nicky were there at the finish line to congratulate his victory into eternal Heaven. He was a good family man and is being awarded for it. Will keep you in our prayers.
Steve & Donna Cecil
Thoughts and Prayers for all the family. Many memories of the old days. God Bless each of you. Fly high Earl❤️
So sorry for your loss, From a old Stanley friend. James Bray
God speed Uncle Earl!
Rose, Tommy, Jenny, Roy Lee, and Kathleen, my condolences to your family and friends. Earl and I go far back and he is and was a great husband ,father, grandfather, and mentor to so many people and children. I’ve been exposed to covaid n will not attend services but it’s for the safety of others. May you all cope in your tragic loss
Marshall and Heather.
He and Rose achieved something that every parent dreams about but rarely achieves. They raised children who are kind, honest and genuinely good people. That is more rare than any gemstone. You are all in my thoughts and in my heart.
Thank you!
Love and prayers to the Hayden family. I knew Earl from back at Daytona and also on the Chris Carter radio show. Truly a great family that was always so kind. RIP Earl. RIP Nicky. Paul Henning
Sorry for your loss. Earl was a great person. Sending prayers to the family
He will be missed by many! He will never be forgotten.
Truly a class act , condolences to the family . It was always a pleasure to see Tommy , Nicky and Roger at the track . RIP Earl
Dearest Rose and all the family,
Tom and I send our deepest sympathies to all of you on the passing of your precious Earl into eternal life. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our heavenly Father, and may the Lord bring to all of you peace, consolation, and strength in the weeks and months ahead.
Be assured of our prayers for all of you during this most difficult time.
Tom and May-May Gipe
Condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting Earl years ago. Bought his book, he signed it, and was so kind and took the time to shake my hand and chat a bit even with the large crowd.
Rose and Hayden family,
So sorry to hear of Earl’s passing. He fought the good fight. Earl was an Icon. I loved his book. My heart and prayers are with you all. Blessings!
🏁Godspeed Earl🏁 So many years of amazing memories🙏🏻 Earl single-handedly built Hayden Hill for our Big Kahuna events at Road Atlanta💪🏻❣️
The Haydens are often referred to as the First Family of Racing. They exemplify what integrity, hard work, and dreaming big can accomplish. Earl is the one who set the standards for his family. I am proud to have known Earl and watch his and all of The Haydens dreams come true. Rest in Peace.
Thoughts and Prayers for the Hayden Family.
Rest In Peace Mr. Earl Hayden. Thank You for Earl’s Racing Team and the legacy you created. God Bless the Hayden Family.
Prayers for The Hayden family.
Jerry Clark
Loved crossing paths with Earl and entire Hayden clan for some time now. What you saw is exactly what you got. Indeed his race is won ! Condolences to the family .
I have read many posts about a reunion in heaven with Nicky. If that’s the case I know that Theodore and Gertrude will be at that joyous reunion too!
Rest In Peace, Uncle Earl!
Rose, you & your family have my heartfelt sympathies.[
Bless Earl as he joins Nicky at heavens racetrack. Always in our hearts. Feel so honored to know you both. Rip.
Paul Schwemmer
To My 1st Cousin,Friend and Mischievous Buddy who what one didn’t think of the other one did.Felt like I lost my Best Friend when the Family moved to Missouri!
However managed to stay in touch thru family and in retirement came back for visits! Rest in peace Buddy until we meet again!!!!!!
To the Hayden and Kamuf family, we were sad to hear about Earl’s passing and our prayers are with you all
Jeff and Tammy Martin
Hanover PA
I enjoyed having Earl as a classmate at Brescia. He was very entertaining.
So sorry for your loss. I’ve been down for a month with my back out. Prayers go out to all of you.
Sorry for your loss Dad(frog) thought highly of Earl and the family we know how hard it is to say good bye to to our fathers we had to say good bye to our dad friday New years eve I pray that God wraps his loving arms around each of you and help make the days ahead easier on you all
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