Craig A Hayden

Craig A. Hayden of Milford, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on September 20, 1948, in Marion, Ohio and spent much of his life in Central Ohio before eventually settling in the Cincinnati area.

Craig graduated from Pleasant View High School, where he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Linda Everett. The two built a life together that spanned 55 wonderful years of marriage. In 1975, Craig moved to the Cincinnati area for his job with Beneficial Finance Company. Not one to shy away from a new challenge, he later decided to become an attorney. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1981 and his law degree in 1984 from the University of Cincinnati, and went on to practice with the law firm Wood & Lamping LLP.

After medical complications shortened his time practicing law, Craig poured his energy into his community. He became the first president of the Traverse Creek Homeowners Association in Milford, helping organize neighbors, form committees, and make the community a better place to live. He also volunteered with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, spending time as a newspaper reader.

Craig had a true sense of adventure. He and Linda loved to travel and camp, taking in everything from the Pacific Northwest to the coast of Maine. They even took sailing lessons—though wisely not in the same boat! Craig especially loved sailing on Cowan Lake, where he found both peace and the occasional thrill. One of his favorite memories was renting a sailboat in Southwest Harbor, Maine, sailing around Sutton Island, into Somes Sound and then making it safely back to dock just as a storm rolled in.

At home, Craig happily took over as the family’s main cook and became a dedicated vegetable gardener. He took pride in freezing and canning the food he grew himself. Much of this work was done under the careful “supervision” of the family cats, who brought him steady companionship and comfort.

Craig is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Hayden; his brother, Kevin (Laura) Hayden; and his nephews, Cooper and Derek Hayden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Jane Hayden, and his sister, Cheryl Hayden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Freestore Foodbank, Bethany House Services, or any organization that helps provide food and housing to those in need.

Megie Funeral Home & Crematory - Craver Chapel caring for the family.