Arnold Wright “Arnie” Hayward, 93, of Coldwater passed away peacefully Thursday, December 18, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place with a private burial of ashes to be held at Whig Cemetery a later date.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
He was born June 19, 1932, in Gladwin, MI, to Benjamin and Lucie (Wright) Hayward. A proud patriot, he honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1954.
May 16, 1959 Arnie married the love of his life, June Ann Teller. Their marriage of 60 years was marked by love, partnership, and shared passions. June preceded him in death January 12, 2019, and Arnold carried her memory with him always.
Arnie was a hardworking and dedicated provider. He spent 10 years with General Cable, 6 years with Essex, and later devoted 19½ years of service to the State Prison, from which he retired.
A man of many interests, he was a committed member of the Branch County Amateur Radio Club, joining in 1990, and was well known by his call sign, NS8T.
He had a lifelong love of motorcycles, a passion he joyfully shared with June as the two rode together to every state in the United States, creating countless memories and friendships along the way.
Music was another great joy in Arnie’s life. He was a former guitarist and lead singer of their band, The Jesters, and delighted in playing country music at many of the local venues, bringing smiles and toe-tapping rhythms to all who listened.
Above all else, Arnold loved his family. His pride in them, his stories, and his steady presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Arnold leaves behind his children Deborah Bennett of Bradenton, FL, Diana (Josh Nickerson) Fowler, Arnold (Susan Hodge) Hayward II both of Coldwater, MI, Steven Hayward of Auburn, IN; his siblings Nancy Dooley of Coldwater, MI, Paul (Roni) Hayward of Litchfield, MI; his 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; his several nieces and nephews; his many friends from the Radio Club, and his best friend Larry Camp.
In addition to his loving wife June Hayward, Arnie was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Nona Strang.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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