William "Bill" Hayward

William Martin Hayward, 93, of Gothenburg, NE, died September 4, 2022 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

Bill was born February 18, 1929 in Hyannis, NE, son of William L. and Edna (Martin) Hayward.  Bill lived in Hyannis until he was in the seventh grade and then his family moved to Bridgeport. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1948. Bill worked on the railroad in Galesburg and Chicago. He served his country for three years in the US Army 1950-1953, stationed for two years in Anchorage, Alaska also stationed at Camp Carson, CO.  After his discharge, he worked on the railroad in Chicago where he met and married Joyce Morss on July 1, 1960.  They moved to the Red Onion Ranch and had two children.  Bill worked on the railroad and the family ranch until 1980 when he moved his family to Alliance, NE. Bill worked as a welder for Gary's Implement for six years.   Bill and Joyce divorced in 1987.  Bill married Eloise Walker of Cozad on May 17, 1997.

Bill lived in Hyannis, Alliance, Bridgeport and Cozad before making his home in Gothenburg. Bill enjoyed pitching horseshoes he pitched in 12 world tournaments and ranked in 9 of them. He spent many hours playing pool and woodworking.  Bill was an active member of the American Legion for over 60 years.

Surviving are daughter, April Joy Hayward of Galesburg, IL and one grandchild Tylee Miller of Cozad, along with many friends.

William was preceded in death by father, William L. Hayward, mother, Edna Kieselhorst, both Eloise Hayward and Joyce Hayward, his son David Martin Hayward.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE.

Services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Dan Urman officiating.

Burial will be held 12:00 pm MST, Friday, September 9, 2022 in the State Veterans Cemetery in Alliance, NE.

Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, 602 Tenth, Street Gothenburg, NE 69138 or First Baptist Church, 1002 Ave C, Gothenburg, NE.