Ronald ‘Red’ Hayden

Ronald “Red” Hayden, 78, of Coatesville passed away on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2022 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Red was born on March 22, 1944 in Plainfield to Rosa Menta (Poland) and Otis Roscoe Hayden. His father would set him in the middle of an engine with tools as a small child, and Red quickly developed a lifelong love of engines.

He was truly an engine whisperer. His father started racing in 1953, and he drove a 1935 Ford and wore a leather helmet. Red developed a love of racing, and he passed that love on to his children, and they continue racing to this day. He raced at Lincoln Park Speedway and other tracks in the area and won a track championship.

On Aug. 1, 1981, Red married the love of his life, Debbie Lathers. The couple lived, laughed and loved in Indiana for 41 years. In 1986, Red and Debbie opened ProStar Lawn Mowers and machine shop. Red was a metal fabricator and taught his sons fabrication, engine building and a love of racing. Red and Debbie owned and operated the business up until the time of 2021.

Red is survived by his wife, Debbie Hayden of Coatesville; children Sandy (Tim) Green of Reelsville, Brian (fiancée Kristy Glotzbach) Hayden of Fillmore and Gary (companion Missy Wright) of Coatesville; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Dick (Sara) Hayden of Danville, George Hayden of Mount Meridian, Kathy Burkert of Cloverdale and Mark (Dawn) Hayden of Roachdale; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his loyal mini dachshund, “Patsy Cline.”

Red was preceded by his parents, Otis and Rosa Hayden; son Rick Hayden; and brothers Donald Hayden, Otis Lee Hayden and Larry Hayden.

Visitation will be held at the Bousley Funeral Home Friday, Sept. 9 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral service will take place at the funeral home Saturday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. President Pass will officiate. Burial will follow at the New Winchester Cemetery.