Hayden Christopher McKinley

Hayden was born to Christopher McKinley and Tanesha Rossman McKinley in Webster, Texas on April 21, 1996. He graduated from Klein High School with the class of 2014, and received his Associates Degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Lone Star College in 2017. Hayden proudly worked as an Automation Technician for TETRA Technologies and ARC Specialties.

Hayden (known as “Dean” to his closest friends) enjoyed spending time and being silly with his family, who were so dear to him, and his friends, whom he cherished deeply. He loved playing golf, fishing, working out, and working on his dirt bikes, but he was in his happiest place when he was playing his guitar and out on the track riding his dirt bike. Hayden was truly an old soul and a very genuine young man who loved his family and friends immensely. He had a special place in his heart for those less fortunate, and people that struggled with hardships. He was generous and giving, and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need.

Hayden had an encompassing passion for music, especially classic rock and 90’s grunge. You could often find him listening to or playing music; he adored the guitar and was proud of his progression with it. When he wasn't lost in his music, he was usually outdoors, surrounded by nature. He was on wheels every chance he got: as a child, he was always on bicycles, skateboards and dirt bikes, jumping ramps and "flying", as he so loved to do. He proudly and lovingly carried that love of wheels and flying into adulthood.

Hayden faced much adversity in his life; he survived a devastating motocross accident in 2011, at the young age of 15. Against insurmountable odds, he persevered through over 20 surgeries and a healing process that continued for years. After being told he may never regain use of his right hand again, his sheer determination and strength would let him prove that wrong, and go a step further by going back to his guitar as a means of working through it. Simply, he was tough, and taught his family what it meant to truly fight and never, ever give up.

Hayden was a bright light in the lives of so many, and he will be tremendously missed by everyone that loved him, forever - until we all meet again.

Hayden is survived by his parents, Chris and Tanesha McKinley; sisters Kaylyn and Grace McKinley; grandparents Kathy Ford, Robin Rossman, J.R. McKinley, and Beverly and Steven Bauer; aunt Amy Rossman, aunt Crystal Griffin and husband Dustin, uncle Mike McKinley, uncle Clint Dale, and uncle Lance Dale and wife Colleen; girlfriend Audrey Boyd, many cousins, and countless dear friends and "brothers".

He is preceded in death by his PaPa Glenn Rossman, his uncle Brandon Ford and his PawPaw Freddie Ford, all of whom he adored.

Hayden's beautiful life will be celebrated on Sunday, October 17, at Forest Park Funeral Home in The Woodlands, Texas. Friends and family are invited to arrive at 1:00 PM for a visitation, with a celebration of life service to follow at 2:00 PM.