Christopher Dean Haywood

Christopher Dean Haywood passed into Heaven on Friday April 30, 2021 from a service related injury. He was surrounded by loved ones and passed away peacefully. Services will be held at Hamilton on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation on Friday, May 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service on Saturday, May 8 at 12:00 p.m. Following will be time dedicated to remembering Chris with a celebration of life in the reception room.

Chris was the 4th child of 8 children. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 19, 1967. He proudly served in the Air Force from November 29, 1985 to February 8, 1990. He was a Fire Protection Specialist for almost 4 years. He received several Ribbons and an Award Ribbon for his services.

He worked several years at the bulk mail center, as well as owned businesses. He was involved in several mission trips with the M.O.V.E. team from 2010 to 2015. His Ministry took him to the Dominican Republic, Chile, Nicaragua, Guinea West Africa, Brazil and Tijuana, Mexico. He loved God, Family and Country! He graduated from INSTE level one and two, as well as successfully completed his Doctrine in Theology. He became an INSTE leader at First Church and was a member of Experience Church at the time of his passing. He will truly be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Beryl Jones; his father, Joseph Haywood; and his step-father, Gary Merkley.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Joan Haywood of West Des Moines; his daughter, Morgan Swainey (Jesse); his son, Christopher Haywood, II; four grandkids, Bentley Haywood, Bently Hansaker, Tucker Swainey and Lauralie Swainey; his step-mother, Roberta Haywood; his sisters, Marilyn Hamilton and Carolyn Hansen; brothers, Curtis Haywood (Penny), Brent Merkley (Lori), Brian Merkley, Heath Haywood, Harold Haywood (Melody); and several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

Burial will be held at a later date at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa with full military honors including a 21-gun salute, honoring Chris for his service to the country that he loved.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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