Douglas Burnham “Buddy” Hayden Jr., 82, of Kountze died Sunday, May 15, 2011, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.  Buddy was born February 19, 1929, in Alvin to Mary Louise (Hall) and Douglas Burnham Hayden, Sr.  A Kountze resident for sixteen years, he retired as plant supervisor with International Galvanizers in Beaumont. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he previously served as an elder.  His strength, character and honesty were inspirational to all who knew him.  His generosity and spirit will live with us forever.

He loved spending time with his family, tending to his garden, hunting and fishing.  He took great pride in raising a winning thoroughbred racehorse in the last years of his life.

His battle with heart disease was courageous.  He endured a long hospital stay, followed by time in the nursing home where he endured extensive physical therapy without complaint, to make it home to his beloved farm for spring. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of sixty years, Angeline Hayden of Kountze; children, Patricia Ann Rials and her children, Brandon, Meghan and Justin all of Cypress, Barbara Jean Kraus and her husband, David and their daughter Hillary of Kingwood, Marilyn Feverjean and her husband, Randy of Village Mills, Douglas B. Hayden, III and his children Christopher and Jason all of Kountze, Jeanette Simmons and her children Ross and Kate of Beaumont, and Travis Hayden and his wife, Jennifer and their children Nicholas, Nolan and Madeline all of Spring; and five great grandchildren.

His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont with burial to follow at Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze.  A gathering of his family and friends will be Tuesday, May 17, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made in Buddy’s memory to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont, Texas  77706-6998.