It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Michael Hayden on June 5, 2022.
He was a loving husband, amazing father, proud grandfather, teasing brother and thoughtful friend. John loved his family first and foremost. He enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking and singing in the car with his wife. He was an Eagle Scout, leukemia survivor, two-time marathon runner and an Olympic torch carrier in 2001.
John is survived by his wife of 37 years Lisa, his daughter Susie, son Andrew, grandson Presley, brothers Bill and Steve, a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearly loved friends. He touched many lives.
Along with his brothers, John was a Cub Scout in Pack 341, earning the Arrow of Light award, and a Boy Scout, led by their father, Jim, as Scoutmaster in Troop 1 in Edmond, Oklahoma. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and did a trek at Philmont with his brothers in 1982. When his son Andrew joined Cub Scout Pack 1630, he volunteered as Den Leader, then Cubmaster of Pack 1630 in Allen. He continued giving of his time as Assistant Scoutmaster in Troops 306 and 2112, with the latter as a Founding Member. John assumed multiple roles in the Pack including helping to manage the popular Pinewood Derby event for multiple years after moving on. Many scouts benefited directly from the guidance that John gave so patiently in weekly activities, monthly camping and eventually as Advisor to high adventure crews at both Philmont Scout Ranch and Northern Tier Adventure Base. John brought his wisdom and experience to bear in mentoring dozens of Boy Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout, including his own son Andrew. All of John’s scouts—and his fellow leaders—benefited greatly from his dedication to the values at the core of scouting: leadership, community, the outdoors, and kindness.
John hired into the Defense Systems Equipment Group of Texas Instruments out of college in 1986. John worked in the Computer Design Center a few years and then Night Vision Systems until 1997. John’s group was acquired by Raytheon in 1997 where John continued to work in Night Vision Systems. In 1999 he returned to TI as part of the Video Decoder Group before moving to the DLP™ Products organization in 2001. John worked in the Algorithm group of the Controller and FPGA team in DLP where he worked as a system engineer and video expert. He was part of a team that produced over 10 controllers that can be found in projectors, televisions, 3-d printers, automotive Heads Up Displays and many other applications. John holds four granted patents from his work in the DLP group.
John’s favorite thing to do was spend time at home with Lisa. They were truly home bodies. Gardening, working on projects and Face Timing with grandson Presley were activities often found at the Hayden house. His love for his family and friends was always apparent. He will be missed.
A memorial for John will be held on Saturday, June 18th at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Allen, Texas. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to any of the following: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Philmont Scout Ranch, or any charity that touches your heart.