Dennis Merrill Hayward

Memorial services for Dennis Merrill Hayward will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2011 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Brad Powell of Living Rock Church officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #42.Dennis Hayward, age 64, of Gillette, Wyoming died on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at his home in Gillette of natural causes.Dennis Merrill Hayward was born on March 6, 1947 the son of Gary and Maxine (Williams) Hayward in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He was raised and educated in Newcastle, Wyoming, graduation from Newcastle High School. Upon his graduation he attended Casper College, earning his Associate's degree. In 1968, Dennis enlisted in the United States Marines and served over in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in January of 1970 and returned home to care for his family after his dad passed away. Dennis enlisted in the National Guard and served for 25 years retiring in 1994. In May of 1972, he married Connie Campbell. The couple made their home in Gillette, Wyoming. The couple later divorced. While living in Gillette Dennis worked as a sheriff's deputy and served as a volunteer firefighter. He also began his almost 30 year career with Mountain Bell which took him to Colorado Springs in 1984 and Grand Junction in 1992. In December of 2001, he retired from Mountain Bell now Qwest. In 2005, he returned to Gillette to be near his family. Dennis loved to watch his grandkids compete in soccer, basketball and barrel racing. He was an avid hunter and gun collector. He took several train trips to a favorite small town in Canada. Dennis enjoyed his daily visits to the Main Bagel for coffee and breakfast.Dennis is survived by his children: Jennifer (Dan) Bock and Terry (Teresa ) Hayward all of Gillette, Wyoming; grandchildren: Jake and Zoe Smith, Chelsey, Ashton, Savannah, and Riley Bock and Treyten Hayward; brother, Rob(Nancy) Hayward of Gillette, Wyoming; sister, Rhonda Daly of Illinois; four nieces and nephews.Memorials and condolences may be sent in Dennis's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716