Raymond Earl Hayden, Jr., age 55, of Dawson Springs, KY passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Baptist Health Deaconess Hospital in Madisonville, KY. Mr. Hayden was born on July 24, 1970 to Glenda Adkins VanMatre and the late Owen VanMatre. He worked for many years for Wal-Mart and was of the Pentecostal faith.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years ~ Mary Ellen Hester Hayden; five sisters ~ Wanda (Kevin) Mitchell, Michelle (Johnathan) Bullock, Sandy Barnett, Tamara Pendley and Tina Jones; three brothers ~David Hayden, Jerome VanMatre and Anthony (Angie) Winters; step-children ~ Kelly (Robb Robins) Hester, Amy Hester and Shane Hester; grandchildren ~ Ashley VanMatre, Casey Lussier, Travis Lussier and Amanda Lussier; great-grandchildren ~Levi Blades, Kolton Peters and Pepper Lussier; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents ~ Austin and Mary Adkins; and great-grandchildren ~ Jordyn Kenady and Asher Peters.

Visitation for Raymond Earl Hayden, Jr. will be held Friday, February 27, 2026 from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour at 1:00 PM at Beshear Funeral Home, Dawson Springs, KY with Rev. Darrel Gates officiating. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Dawson Springs, KY.