Sept. 22, 1926 – Jan. 2, 2014

NATCHEZ — A private memorial service for Joseph “Joe” Richard Haydel Sr., 87, of Natchez, who died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at Promise Rehabilitation Hospital in Vidalia, will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Mr. Haydel was born Sept. 22, 1926, in Cybur, the son of Phillip John Haydel and Josephine Morvant Haydel.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served as seaman second class in the United States Navy. He was proud to have worked for 36 years for Holsum Bakery.

He was an outstanding high school football player in Crosby, and passed this passion down to his three sons. He was responsible for all of them being very active in sports, and the joy of his life was watching them play.

He was a gentle, loving man who was loved by his wife, sons, grandchildren, and daughters-in-law. No one worked any harder and sacrificed more to provide for his family’s well being. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Haydel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma Jean McQueen Haydel and six brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his three sons, Richie Haydel and wife, Susan, of Ellijay, Ga., Cliff Haydel and wife, Lisa, of Natchez and Gordon Haydel and wife, Lisa, of Smithdale; five grandchildren, Katie Sandoz, Luke Haydel, Adam Haydel, Michael Haydel, and Emily Dayries; and two great-grandchildren, Will Dayries and Hutch Haydel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Louisiana Hemophilia Foundation, 3636 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite 390, Baton Rouge, La. 70816.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.