<p data-src=

" title=""/>

[responsive-slider id=164]

Jesse Hayward Eidson, 101, passed away peacefully March 17, 2019, at his home in DeLand.

Mr. Eidson was a longtime DeLand business owner, a World War II veteran and a former member of the DeLand City Commission.

His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends.

Funeral services will be at Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand at noon Sunday, March 24, followed by interment at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand with a military honor guard.

Jesse — or Hayward, as he liked to be called — was born Jan. 15, 1918, in Woodville, Georgia. He moved to DeLand with his family in 1926.

Mr. Eidson graduated from DeLand High School in 1936. He served in the Army during World War II, from 1941 to 1945.

At the start of the war, he met and married his loving wife, Rose Todaro, on March 8, 1941. They raised two beautiful daughters, Sandra E. Davis and Joy Edison. Rose and Hayward Eidson were married for a glorious 74 years, until Rose’s death in 2016.

Hayward and Rose had several successful businesses together, including Eidson Tire Service and B and E Groves, with their partners George and Marylin Brillante.

Hayward Eidson served as a DeLand city commissioner from 1967 to 1983. He also served the Volusia County Fair Association, along with his wife, for 17 years, and was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and a member of the American Legion.

You may visit the street in DeLand that was named after him as a tribute to the dedication Hayward gave to his adopted hometown.

Hayward was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was a very honest and kind-hearted man, who always greeted everyone with a handshake and a smile. He was a storyteller like no other, and he thanked everyone he met.

He was the last of a dying breed, a true gentleman’s gentleman. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Rose, Hayward was preceded in death by his daughter Sandra, and is survived by his daughter Joy, along with grandchildren Steven (wife P.J.), Charmaine (husband Chris), and Stephanie (husband Steve), as well as great-grandchildren Dalton Jesse (named after his grandfather), Harrision, Chase, Connor and Kendal.

The family would be very grateful for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, which may be made online, or by mail to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

— Obituary information provided by the family.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here