Hayward Ellis West, age 77, of Frankford, DE passed away peacefully at Beebe Medical Center on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

He was born January 3rd, 1947, at Beebe Hospital to the late Russell and Evelyn (Hudson) West both of Frankford, DE.  Hayward is survived by his loving wife Cindy West, his favorite daughter SaraKate Hammer (Scott) of Houston, DE and his favorite daughter Lucinda Murphy (Jim) of Townsend, DE and their children, Kirk Hammer, Addie Hammer and James Murphy.  Additionally, he is survived by a stepson Matthew Freeman (Lee) and their children Carter, Peyton and Asher as well as many cousins including a dear cousin Fred West (Betty).

Hayward was born to a Sussex County farming family and took over his family poultry & crop farm at a young age.  He graduated from Lord Baltimore School in 1965 among a group of classmates who were lifelong friends.  He served in the Army Reserves.  Over his lifetime, he worked for Dupont, Turner Brothers Plumbing, Elmer Evans, Sun Marine and more before retiring.

He loved to talk about growing up in rural Sussex County, the Phillies, horse racing, the weather coming in, and ice cream or donuts.  He enjoyed summer Sundays at the pool with friends and playing checkers.  And even though he faced hard times and challenges in his life, he always loved to turn a joke or laugh at a good one.  In addition, he loved and was loved by a long list of pets who were lucky to have found a home with him.

A funeral service will be held on April 10th at 12:00 PM at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, DE, where friends and family may visit from 11:00 am to 12:00 PM.  He will be laid to rest at St. George's Methodist Church Cemetery with his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Hayward's name to St. George's UMC Children's Program, 34337 Omar Road, Frankford, DE 19945 or to the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation (defb.org/foundation/donate) 3457 S. DuPont Highway, Camden, DE 19934.  Or consider buying a favorite person an ice cream or a donut and share a laugh together.