Joseph Donald "Donnie" Hayden, Jr. 71 of Valley Lee, MD, died June 30, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Born January 11, 1938 in Great Mills, he was the son of the late Joseph Donald Hayden, Sr. and Catherine Rosalie Hayden.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Marie Hayden. He was the father of four children; Donna M. Roenigk, (Kevin), Laura A. Hewitt, (Paul), Michael A. Hayden, (Daria) and David A. Hayden, (Teresa) all of Valley Lee, MD. He was the grandfather of nine; Justin Hayden, (Misti), Kyle, Tyler and Donald J. Hayden, Amanda and Jason Hayden and Paul, Josephine and Joshua Hewitt, step-grandfather of Lee Grimes, (Crystal), Sherri Watkins, (DJ) and Donna Grimes. He was the step-great-grandfather of Kylie and Morgan Watkins, also survived by his sister, Mary Rose Flaherty, (William).

He was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, he loved farming and doing carpentry work. He was an excellent craftsman. He loved being on his tractor working his farm, he also enjoyed cutting grass with his grandson Jason at St. George Catholic Church. He could always come up with an ingenious and unique solution to any problem. He loved his wife and family very much and took pride in his grandchildren. He taught his children and grandchildren to have faith in God and to work hard. He was a very kind and caring person and was always willing to lend a hand.

Family will receive friends for Donnie's Life Celebration on Thursday, July 2 from 5pm to 8pm at St. George Catholic Church, Valley Lee, MD where prayers will be recited at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 12pm in St. George Catholic Church, with Father Mark Irvine officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be; Kevin Roenigk, Paul Hewitt, Justin Hayden, Tyler Hayden, Donald James Hayden and Jason Hayden. Honorary pallbearers will be; Gary Joy and Mark Flaherty.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Catholic Church building fund, P.O. Box 9, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.