Carol was born July 24, 1937 in West Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Benjamin J. and Kathryn Emily (Williams) Binkley. Carol was united in marriage to Carroll Eugene Hayden on August 12, 1959 in Conway, Arkansas. They had lived in Bakersville, MO and Waynesville, Mo before moving to Freeman in 1972.
Carol attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, AR, and earned a Bachelor in Music Education and Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO, earning her Masters Degree in Music Education. She taught vocal music at Cass Midway Schools in Cleveland, MO, where she retired after 25 years of teaching music for students from kindergarten through seniors in high school. She enjoyed gardening and kept the yard and house full of plants year-round. She loved music and felt honored to be asked to sing at her students’ weddings.
You could find her around the house listening to opera music or other classical music. Christmas was a favorite time of year for her and she always decorated the house and kitchen with garland and lights. After getting a few Santa Clause figures from the family, she soon was collecting them in all sizes and costumes. She was very diplomatic when asked about her favorite color, bible verse, or child she always said she liked them all.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Bruce Binkley; and a grandson, Hayden Fairbanks. Carol is survived by her husband, Carroll E. Hayden, Freeman, MO; a son, Carroll E. Hayden Jr., and his wife, Tammy, Freeman, MO; two daughters: Belinda Carol Fairbanks, and her husband, Michael, Temple, TX; and Vanessa Camille Machatta and her husband, Joe, Raymore, MO; five grandsons and their wives: Bradley (Victoria) Fairbanks, Brian (Amanda) Fairbanks, Brandon Eugene (Jordyn) Hayden, Dalton Eugene (Meghan) Hayden, and Carson Eugene Hayden; four great-granddaughters: Amelia Eden Fairbanks, Lauren Rosalie Fairbanks, Sadie Mae Hayden, and Parker Ann Hayden; and many, many students, friends, and family.
