Robert L. “Pop” Hayden, 100, died Sunday, July 19, 2009.

He was born Nov. 16, 1908, in Durand, Mich., the son of Lewis A. and Leah A. (Johnson) Hayden.

Bob lived for a brief period in Owosso, Mich., and in 1912 the family moved to Elberta, Mich. He graduated from Elberta High School in 1926 and from Central State Teachers College at Mt. Pleasant in 1931 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and later a M.A. Degree from the University of Michigan.

In October of 1932, he married Zona E. Duncan of Traverse City.

He started teaching in the Elberta Public Schools in 1932 and was employed there until 1935. Then he moved to Adrian and was employed in the Adrian School System until he retired in July of 1974.

While in Adrian he taught Social Science and coached basketball, baseball and assisted in football in the high school for about 12 years, followed by a period as a Counselor-Assistant Principal in the high school. Then a period of 20 years as High School Principal, and he continued with the remainder of his tenure at the Board of Education.

He was the last Principal of Senior High School (Grades 10-11-12) and the first Principal of the current High School. After leaving the High School for the new position at the Board of Education, while there seven years, he noted the handwriting on the wall, that all school employees were no longer employed after the age of 65. He began to think retirement. Then, on July 1, 1974, with some other employees too old to continue to work there, he retired for a different way of living. No more school work - a vacation during his bonus on longevity - family, this and that, and the program of Mother Nature.

He liked Adrian (home since 1935 on McKenzie St.), the people - what the city offered.

He was active in the local Rotary for more than 57 years - a feeling of responsibility to society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Zona; sons, John R. Hayden and Steve L. Hayden; sister, Mary Alice Green; and a brother-in-law, Curtis Green. Survivors include daughters-in-law, Mary V. Hayden of Lansing, Nancy (Hayden) Cochran and her husband, Del, of Adrian; grandson, John (JR.) Hayden of Adrian; granddaughters, Lynn (Cochran) Sager and Kristen Cochran.

The funeral service for Bob was held on Thursday, July 23 at Wagley Funeral Home. Burial was to take place at a later date at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the local Alzheimer’s Association or the local charity of your choice. You may also send condolences or sign the register book at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. Envelopes are available at the Wagley Funeral Home.