Reverend John Wayne Haywood, 82, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. John was born May 5, 1941 in Columbia, TN, to the late Hattie and Robert Haywood. He graduated from Central High School in Columbia, TN with the class of 1960. Two years later, John became a credentialed minister, and in 1984 he earned his Master of Bible Theology Degree from the International Bible Institute & Seminary. On February 20, 1960, he married Doris June Fitzpatrick. For over 60 years, he and his beloved wife faithfully served the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), pastoring congregations in both Nebraska and Missouri, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with all who would listen. Reverend Haywood distinguished himself during his tenure with the Missouri Church of God State Council as chairman of the Ministers Examining Board, longtime member of the Missouri Senior Adult Ministries Board, and a police chaplain. Lovingly and fearfully referred to as “The General”, Reverend Haywood mentored many young ministers over the years. Most notably, he spent the majority of his pastoral ministry shepherding the flock of Faith Valley Church of God (now known as Abundant Faith Church of God) in St Joseph, MO.John enjoyed writing and sharing daily devotions on Facebook, and spending time with his family. Over the years, he would drive miles to be present at the weddings, graduations, and birthdays of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even in retirement, he continued to be active in ministry, preaching and mentoring other pastors until his death.John was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris June Haywood, his parents, brothers, Richard, Robert Jr., William, Harold, Bobby, and Clarence Haywood, and his sister, Linda Tomlin. He married Dollie Decker Edwards on June 24, 2023, and she survives of the home. Additional survivors include three sons: Gayron Wayne (Sydney) Haywood, St. Joseph, MO, Steven Lane Haywood (Jeanetta Dickerson), Ottawa, KS, and Jon Darren (Dana) Haywood, Caruthersville, MO; thirteen grandchildren: Kari (David) Chairez, Ryan (Megan) Haywood, Alex Haywood, Ian (Sadie) Haywood, Max Haywood (Victoria Conroy), Stephanie Nelson, Ashley (Walter) Stufflebean, Cortney (Jacob) Bonea, Spencer Wayne Haywood, Steven Haywood, Spencer Jacob (Lauren) Haywood, Casey (Amanda) Haywood, Taylor (Brittany) Haywood; 20 great-grandchildren; step sons: Dameon Edwards and Duane (Jamie) Edwards; 8 step grandchildren, and 3 step great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Cooper, and brother, Mike Haywood, both of Columbia, TN.The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday at Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services with public live stream will take place at 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Abundant Faith Church of God officiated by Reverend James Martin. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Smoky Mountain Home for Children Missouri Cottage. Online condolences, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com
