John “Hayden” Stanley was born on August 12th, 1992 in Ft. Worth, Texas to
John and Laurie Stanley. The glorious, cherished, first born child that
brought such joy into this world. On the morning of Monday, December 28th,
2015, Hayden walked into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ, at the young age of 23.
During his short life, Hayden was very active in football, Orchestra, Jazz
Band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the WINGS program for gifted
students, and his home church at Park Crest Baptist. Hayden loved playing
football, the standup bass, his electric bass, and jamming with his band.
He lived for, and was an avid fan of Notre Dame football and all that the
college embodied. It was his dream to attend college there some day, and
to run out of the tunnel into Notre Dame stadium wearing the blue and gold
uniform, along with the iconic gold helmet.
Hayden loved and followed the Lord Jesus, and was saved and baptized as a
young boy. There is great peace in knowing that Heaven gained a beautiful
soul upon his passing, and he’s no longer trapped in his broken, earthly
body. Hayden’s story of struggle and survival, against all the odds, has
touched many, many hearts; and through it, many were led to know the Lord
that Hayden loved so much.
Hayden was so full of life and mischief. He had the most gorgeous, shining
blue eyes, and a smile that would light up any room. He was known for his
silliness and “shenanigans,” as much as he was for his kindness to those
around him.
On March 31st, 2007, at the age of 14, Hayden was hit by a teen driver in
front of his house. Due to this tragic accident, Hayden suffered a
traumatic brain injury, and he remained in a semi-conscious, or comatose,
state until his passing. Even through his struggles, Hayden was able to
convey love, communicate, and inspire others daily.
Over the last nine years since Hayden’s accident, he has been surrounded
by love, and taken care of in his home by his dedicated family. Hayden
fought this long, difficult battle with a strength and endurance like none
we’ve ever seen.
Hayden will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was the kind
of young man that everyone was proud to call beloved son, brother,
grandson, cousin, and friend. This world lost much of it’s shine and magic
the morning that Hayden left this earth, but heaven gained a glorious
soul.
John “Hayden” Stanley is survived by his Parents John and Laurie Stanley,
his younger Brother Denton Stanley, and his little Sister Paxton Stanley,
all of Springfield, MO; Grandparents, James Ledbetter of West Plains, MO,
Vickie (Mimi) and Hubert Jones of Ft. Worth, TX, John and Nandra Stanley of
Ft. Worth, TX; Great-Grandmother Florene (Nanny Goat) Wilson of Ft. Worth
TX; Aunts and Uncle, Zachary and Lisa Ledbetter of Springfield, MO,
Cecilia Hancock of Kansas City, MO, Amy Chacon of Ft. Worth, TX; Hayden is
also survived by loving cousins, Lindsay Lankford, Shea Hancock, Cayley
Ledbetter, Hunter Chacon, and Logan Chacon.
Open visitation for Hayden will be on Friday, January 1st, 2016 from 5
p.m. to 7 p.m., at Park Crest Baptist Church, 816 W. Republic Road,
Springfield, MO. All services will be led by Pastor, Phillip Housley.
Funeral Services will be on
Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.,
also at Park Crest Baptist Church. Graveside services will be immediately
following at Manley Cemetery in Battlefield, MO