Al Hayter

(From Knell Mortuary)

Albert “Al” Oren Hayter, 96, of Fidelity, MO passed away on September 18, 2017.

Albert was born to James Owen Oren and Eva (Waddill) on March 1, 1921. Albert’s parents, his siblings Dessie, Tennie, James “Jack” Menan, Raymond Buster “Loren” and Nellie preceded him in death.

Al graduated from Walnut Grove MO High School in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy before the Army could draft him and served in WWII as one of the engineers of the catapult and arresting gear (the device that stops aircraft on a carrier) at NAAS Monogram Norfolk VA and the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Sicily. He served as an Aviation Boson Mate.

After his military service, he worked with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Department until retirement in 1984 and then volunteered as tour guide at the Joplin Museum complex.
Al was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was the oldest member of the American Legion Nixa Memorial Post 434 of Nixa, MO. Albert was an honorary alumnus of the Walnut Grove, MO School and cherished his classmates throughout his life. Albert received several recognitions in the local newspapers for his military and faith based devotion to his community. Al was a participant of the Honor Flight for the WWII veterans and was honored to be chaperoned by his devoted nephew and friend, George “Denton” Leaming, a fellow veteran and pilot of Vietnam. In the Nixa Express edition of April 3, 2015 Albert is featured in an article entitled Life of Service. Albert was known for this devotion to his family, faith and community. He and Bonnie were longtime members of the Fairview Christian Church. Together they provided pastoral services for residents of St. Luke’s Nursing Home for more than 40 years with Susan Wendleton. Al served on the board for Old Settler’s Picnic and Fidelity Cemetery. Albert enjoyed playing the harmonica for various social and church events, camping, fishing and was an avid gardener known for his strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes.

On May 27, 2015, Albert was presented with a certified resolution by the Missouri House of Representatives for being an exemplary citizen of Missouri.

Albert was the beloved husband of Dorothy (Washington) Hayter. They were married on July 28, 1962 in Springfield MO until her death on January 20, 1988. There were no children born to this union.

Albert became the beloved husband of Bonnie Lue (Nichols/Hankins) on January 5, 1991. Al and Bonnie were united and shared and cared in their family events. Before, the union, Bonnie was the widowed mother of six adult children: Donald Eugene Hankins and Dana Dean Hankins preceded Al in death; Connie S. Cook, of Webb City, MO; Pamela K. Hankins, of Joplin MO; David E. Hankins and wife, Beverly, of Joplin, MO; and Julie A. White and her husband William S. White, Clever, MO.; ten grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and 7 great great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Throughout life, Albert was devoted to his older siblings and his nephews, nieces and their families, especially Denton, Kay Sewell, Dixie Finley, Barbara Heinz and Jonelle Stafford, their families and a long- time family friend he often referred to as his daughter, Susan Youngblood Wendleton, for her unselfish heroic acts of kindness during Dorothy’s ill health.
By all who knew Albert Hayter, they knew him as a man truly devoted to his family, friends, God and Country.

Visitation will be held 6-7 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage, MO. Funeral Services will be held 10 am, Friday, September 22, 2017 at Fairview Christian Church, Carthage. Minister Tony Allmoslecher will officiate. Interment will follow the service around 2 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, East 565th Rd., Walnut Grove, MO 65770, with VFW American Legion Post 434 providing honors. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to the Fairview Christian Church (youth programs) of Carthage, MO or the American Legion Nixa Memorial Post 434 in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, MO 64836. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.