Samuel Wayne Hayden, 60 of Van Buren passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2022 in a local hospital. He retired as a Major from the U.S. Army serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom and of the Christian Faith. He received many decorations, and medals but he was most proud of earning a Bronze Star along with a Purple Heart. He is preceded in death by his parents Rodney Allen and Lula Belle (McCubbins) Hayden and two brothers Terry and Rick Hayden.

He is survived by his wife Faye Hayden of the home; one daughter Jessica Daley and husband Michael of Piedmont, Oklahoma; one son Stuart Hayden of Van Buren; one sister Linda Wood of Roland and one grandson Truitt Wayne Daley.

Funeral services will be 10:30, Monday November 14, 2022 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with military honors with burial to follow at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.

Family will visit with relatives and friends from 4:00PM-6:00PM, Friday November 11, 2022 at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren, 700 Jefferson Street.