William Hayward Batts

William Hayward Batts, age 68, passed away at his home in Hyattville, Wyoming, on August 12, 2024. He was born January 12, 1956, to Leathy and Raymond Batts in Fort Myers, Florida. Growing up he was always outside shooting his BB gun or fishing. Hayward met his wife, Joann when he was 19 and she was 15. Hayward and Joann wed November 4, 1977, and had been together ever since.

Hayward, Joann and their daughter Diana lived in Florida until 2000. He had worked for Sprint Telephone since it he was 18, and took a job transfer to Wyoming as a fiber optic tech. They moved to Ten Sleep, where they lived for several years. In June 2005, they decided to take a leap and buy the Hyattville Bar & Cafe. Many lifelong memories and friends were made there until they sold the business in June 2023.

Hayward had a life most couldn't even imagine. He made a friend wherever he went, he loved life and even after his health started to deteriorate in 2006, he still had such a strong will to live for his family and those he loved that became family. He was so happy to be alive when his grandchildren were born, he loved them more than anything.

Hayward is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Hayward Batts and his mother, Leathy Marie Batts.

He is survived by his wife Joann Jean Batts, daughter, Diana Marie Wardell (Nicholas James Wardell), his brother, Donald (Carol) Batts, and two grandchildren Parker Lee Wardell and Zoey Marie Wardell.

Burial will be at the Hyattville Cemetery on August 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Hyattville Community Center.