Billy Hayden . . .

My cousin DR. William DeGraffenried "Billy" Hayden died over the weekend. Billy was the youngest son of Uncle Mule and Aunt Claire. He was a graduate of Tulane medical school, a surgeon and general practitioner in Paris, Texas. Billy was 83, in poor health and had recently suffered a stroke.

I recall attending his wedding in Carencro, LA back in 1957. I don't remember much, I was but 17 years old at the time.

Billy also took care of his mother in her elder years. She had cancer and he did all that was possible to cure her. I am pretty sure she died of old age, not cancer; she was well into her 90s when she passed on. My last conversation with her was in 1983 when my mother, her little sister, died. Even then it was too arduous for her to travel to the funeral, but she did call and I took that call.

Burr (Lovell) was the oldest, next was Billy and then St. Claire (Little Sister or just Sister). Burr lives in Monroe where he practiced law with Uncle George (Aunt T's husband) and Sister lives in Delaware married to James D'Wolf - I believe he is or was a chemist for DuPont.

They all grew up in Shreveport, LA. The war interrupted Billy's studies, Burr was too old and Sister was to young for service. Stange, they all departed Shreveport. I can remember spending a short vacation in Shreveport but not much else. Uncle Mule and Aunt Claire's house was a simple affair.

We will go to Paris, TX for the funeral. His wife, Betty, is recovering from surgery. Tough to lose your loved one even though he may have been in pain or suffering. Surely, he, the doctor that he was, knew he was dying.

Our time is coming . . .