John D. Hayden

Johnnie Douglas Hayden, age 80, of Pittsfield, IL passed away Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Pittsfield Manor. He was born February 17, 1944, in Pittsfield, IL to Karl and Genevieve Wilson Hayden. John married Mary Kay McCartney June 12, 1965, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield and she survives.

John was a 1962 graduate of Pittsfield High School where he played basketball, baseball and football. John attended Western Illinois University on a football scholarship where he played for 2 years. He worked for a short time in St. Louis at a sheet metal plant before starting with CIPS in 1965 and worked until his retirement in 2003. John began as a meter reader, then a poleman, working his way up the ladder to public service representative. After retirement, John became the Mayor of Pittsfield in 2005 serving his community for 4 terms until 2021. He was proud to attend many ribbon cuttings over the years with several additions to the city and park district along with creating a second family with those he worked with.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Fighting Illini, and Rams fan but his true colors ran red and black with Pittsfield Saukee athletics. John could always be found attending his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events cheering them on; and patiently taught them to play golf. He ran the scoreboard clock and announced the lineup for Saukee basketball games for 44 years, where he said he had ‘the best seat in the house’ and made many lifelong friendships. John also ran Pike County Softball League and coached Jaycee Little League Baseball for many years. In his spare time, John enjoyed boating, dancing, golf, gambling and bowling. John enjoyed time spent with friends and was a member of Old Orchard Country Club, Moose Lodge #420 and Steak Club. John was very active in his community and enjoyed morning coffee with his buddies which later turned into a 3 times a day event. He often complained about his dogs, but they were always sitting on his lap. John was known as ‘Mr. Reliable’ and was a genuine, honest, loyal man who was deeply devoted to his family.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Kay Hayden of Pittsfield, IL; daughter, Jennifer (Steve) Capps of Pittsfield; grandchildren, Tucker (Kyleah) Moss, Hadyn Webel, Tanner (Hayli) Moss and Tyler Capps; great grandchildren, Rhoni, Maysen, Zoey, JB and Iverson; sister, Bonnie Callihan of St. Peters, MO; in-laws, Cecelia (Mike) Nevius, Pat (Jera) McCartney, Tom (Marlys) McCartney, Rick (Wendy) McCartney and Diana McCartney; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Genevieve Hayden; twin siblings, Karla and Ronald Hayden; daughter, Angela Moss; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Mildred McCartney, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Mike Callihan and Denny McCartney; and son-in-law, Bob Moss.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, with interment to follow the service at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsfield. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to be made to Saukee Nation. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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