SHABBONA — Richard “RD” David Hayward, 81, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at his home in Shabbona, Illinois.  RD was born on April 14, 1943, the son of Ronald and Clorice A. (Meyers) Hayward in South Elgin, IL.  After high school, he proudly served with the US Navy.  On November 18, 1967, he married Karen Unruh in Elgin, IL.

RD enjoyed canoeing in his younger years, loved fishing and spending time at their cabin at Blackhawk Campground in Wisconsin.  Tinkering and building things was a favorite pastime for RD.

RD is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen of Shabbona, IL; four children: Michael (Marla) Hayward of Arlington, KY, David Hayward of Rochelle, IL, Marjorie Hayward of DeKalb, IL and Angel (David) Carpenter of Malta, IL; three sisters: Nancy Stading, Suzie Knautz and Robin Hayward; 14 grandchildren: Kassy (Randall), Leanna (Matt), Mandy (Tyler), Lexie (Mary), Krynn, Devan (Taylor), Danny (Caroline), DJ (Whittney), Dlaney, Lyndsey (James), Alex, Koty (Kary), Kayla (Seth) and Kevin (Crystal) and 16 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, RD was preceded in death by his son, Daniel on June 16, 2004 and his daughter-in-law, Deanna Hayward on January 4, 2021.

The visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The funeral service will follow at 1:00 P.M., with Chaplain Ken Lawson officiating.  Burial is at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle with military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the active duty Navy Honor Guard.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.