PLEASANTON, Texas – Lewis Harrison Hayden Jr., 73, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas.
Born in Maine, Lew Hayden was driven at an early age by passion and an innate curiosity of how things worked. These two qualities, coupled with an intense work ethic, drove Lew to entrepreneurial successes in many fields of business. An avid reader and active mind equipped Lew with all he needed to achieve and excel in any endeavor. All that have known him would describe him as the original “one of a kind.” He absolutely had no fear of failure and was one to lead, not follow. One of his adventures led him to Texas. Carrying years of factory experience with the likes of Pann American, Norwock and Dexter shoe companies, Lew hit the Lone Star state. He started San Antonio Shoe Co. with his long-time friend and partner, Terry Armstrong. Terry’s creativity and Lew’s savvy business sense provided the perfect one-two punch that launched San Antonio Shoe Co. into one of the most successful and enduring shoe companies in the Untied States. It was from this San Antonio-based shoe company that Lew would expand upon his many business enterprises. His success was linked to the same qualities that he approached in every endeavor. He believed in passion, quality, attention to detail, customer service, integrity, honesty and above all, commitment to the task. The formula worked for him whether it was cattle, wood, restaurants, real estate or his true love – standard bred trotter and pacer horse racing. It also was the measure for his latest ventures at Pleasanton Country Club and River Bend Golf Club. His many successful businesses never changed his humble and simple lifestyle. He knew that it took many people for one triumph and was quick to acknowledge others. He was a leader and a giver. Lew never lingered in the limelight, nor would he take credit for the many successes under his stewardship. He chose discretion over popularity and anonymity over fame, in his professional and personal life. Those that knew him best would liken him to a protective grizzly bear with a golden heart. Our world has suffered a tremendous loss with Lew’s departure. Heaven must be in need because God has taken back one of his greatest creations.
He is survived by his daughters, Jan Ricks and husband, Lee III, of Pleasanton, Texas, and Susan Hayden of Appleton, Wis.; his sons, Jon Hayden and wife, Olivia, of Pleasanton, Texas, Jay Hayden and wife, Maria, of Del Rio, Texas, and Brett Hayden of Pleasanton, Texas; his sister, Jackie Lyon of Deltona, Fla.; brother, Roger Hayden of Jay; eight grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at Hurley Funeral Home, 118 West Oaklawn Road, Pleasanton, Texas. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Sunday. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at Cowboy Fellowship Church, near Pleasanton, Texas. Interment will be afterward at Hayden Family Cemetery, Pleasanton, Texas. Lew Hayden memorials may be made to Little School Restoration Project, P.O. Box 274, Easton, ME 04740 and Cowboy Fellowship Church, P.O. Box 68, Pleasanton, TX 78064. Anyone wishing to sign the guest book, share memories or issue condolences may do so at
www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.