Fowler - Samuel L. Hayden, 87, long time resident of Fowler, went home to be with the Lord on February 8, 2022.  He was born in Liberal on April 23, 1934 to Samuel F. and Rebecca Jane (Sprouts) Hayden.

Sam married the love of his life, Alice B. Lollar, on September 27, 1954.  He served from 1952 - 1973 in the United States Navy, retiring after 21 years of service. Sam earned the rank of petty officer first class E6.  He worked as a nuclear weapons mechanic specialist while in the Navy.  After his honorable discharge, Sam and Alice settled in Fowler, where he managed the Fowler Equity Gas Station for many years.

He enjoyed all of his family, friends, horses, and dogs.  Sam never met a stranger and was always willing to help.  Sam accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 29, 2022 and is now experiencing all that Heaven has with his beloved Alice as well as all his family that has gone before.

Sam is survived by his children, Gay Lynne Skidmore and husband Dale of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Lance Hayden and wife Vickie of Wichita, Theresa Graham and husband David of Sherman, Texas, Sam Hayden and wife Kim of Ulysses, Debra Foster and husband Boyd of Fowler, and Janet Welker and husband Eric of Meade; niece, Brenda Grooms of Liberty, Missouri, nephew, Samuel Lollar of Sullivan, Missouri both whom he raised from ages 2and 4; a sister, Dorothy Middleton of Star City, Arkansas; 23 grandchildren; and 34 great grandchildren, who called him Boogie; and one great-great granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Alice; a daughter, Rebecca Ruth; five brothers, Chet, Bill, Mut, Leo, and Raymond; two sisters, Della and Mable; a granddaughter, Chasity Karliner; and a great-great granddaughter, Nia Lani

Memorial service will be held at Fowler Friends Church on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Dale Skidmore presiding.  Burial will follow at Fowler Cemetery in Fowler with military honors by US Naval Honor Guard and the American Legion 8 ^th District Honor Guard.  There is no visitation as cremation has taken place.  Memorials are suggested to Quilts of Valor in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel - PO Box 421 - Montezuma, Kansas 67867.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.