Thomas Edward Hayden Sr. passed away Sunday, December 23, 2007 at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus, Valparaiso. He was 75.

He was born Jan. 31, 1931 in Hammond, the son of Radford N. and Genvieve (Hillman) Hayden, both of whom who preceded him in death.

On Dec. 30, 1953 in Hammond, he married his beloved wife, Joan M. Malacina, who survives in Chesterton.

He is also survived by children, Radford J. (Delia) Hayden of East Pointe, Mich., Thomas E. (Edie) Hayden II of Houston, Texas, Frederick K. (Eileen) Hayden of Westmont, Ill., Mary-Therese (John) Hoffman of Chesterton, Mary Clare (Joseph) Wilson of New Lenox, Ill. and Martin. T (Margie) Hayden of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren.

After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in chemical engineering and serving his country during the Korean Conflict, Thomas specialized in international sales, developing factories across Europe and Asia, becoming one of the first to introduce automobile finishes in China. He career spanning over 40 years, he retired to enjoy his grandchildren and gardening. A long-time resident of Palos Park, Ill. he had recently relocated to Chesterton.

A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 31 at St. James at Sag Bridge Catholic Church in Lemont, Ill., 107th and Archer Ave. Interment is at St. James at Sag Bridge Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31 at Gerharz Funeral Home, 501 State Street, Lemont, Ill. (630-257-2123).

Posted 12/28/2007