Paul Joseph "PJ" Hayden Sr., 76, of Newburgh, Indiana passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Linda E. White Hospice House with his wife and son by his side. PJ was born August 28, 1945, the youngest of six children, to Francis Xavier (Frank) and Catherine Elizabeth (Frey) Hayden of Owensboro, KY.
PJ started playing guitar at the age of 8 and began playing professionally at the age of 17. He met and married Judith Ann Barnes in 1967 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in June of that year. He was discharged in June of 1969 and returned to his hometown to resume his career in music.
He moved to Evansville, IN in 1970, enrolled in college at ISUE (now USI) in 1975 and graduated cum laude in 1979 with a degree in Communications, all while still performing as a full-time musician. In 1986, he started his own floor mat business called Mat Man, Inc. and is still known today as "The Mat Man."
He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Raymond Hayden; and sisters, Rita Alsup and Carol Howard.
PJ is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Melody Hayden; son, Paul J. Hayden, Jr.; his seven grandchildren, Colburn, Cameron, Tawnie, Ciera, Dorothy, Basil, and Josie; and two sisters, Mary Rosman (Robbie) Thompson and Ruth Ann Green.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, with a final resting place at Rose Hill Cemetery. Military rites will be performed. Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Linda E. White Hospice House.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.
