Obituary

Remembering Paul E. Haywood

Paul E. Haywood, age 79, of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Paul was a self-employed contractor for many years until his retirement. He loved sports, going to the casino, the Muskegon racetrack, fishing and above all else, his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence B. Haywood; brother, Lawrence Breyound Haywood; and his former wife, Mary Haywood.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Amy Haywood, Jennifer (Raymond) Flynn; grandchildren, Amiya, Alayna, Sydney; great grandchildren, Alahni, Julianna; mother, Marie Haywood; siblings, Laura (Curtis) Purnell, Crystal Haywood Myers, Sid (Mary Jo) Haywood; sister-in-law, Rosie Haywood; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, July 16 from 10 am to noon at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.  

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Thursday, July 16 · 10:00am - 12:00pm

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My Deepest condolences to the family and friends.Papa loved spending time with his family.Paul loved being around people that made him laugh.He knew that the biggest jackpot in life he won was that of his two girls.and I pray he get to catch golden fish in heaven.A true friend I will miss you. Till we meet again.

— Shannon Garcia

There are no words that can truly express how much my Papa meant to me. He was the greatest grandpa anyone could ever ask for, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have been loved by him. His kindness, strength, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped so much of who I am. I will forever cherish every memory we made together—the laughter we shared, the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. Those moments will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. Papa, you are deeply loved and terribly missed every single day. Although my heart aches without you here, I find comfort in believing you are in heaven, watching over me and my daughters with the same love and protection you always showed us. I hope you know how much you meant to us and how your love will continue to live on through our family. Thank you for being the greatest Papa on earth. Until we meet again, I will carry you with me in my heart, honor your memory, and love you always. Thank you for all the fun visits to the fair , the circus and most improtantly being the greatest papa to Alahni and Julianna love always your grand daughter - Alayna

— Alayna Haywood

Sending My Prayer To My Cousins Amy & Jennifer & The Entiire Haywood Family…Uncle Paul You Will Be Truly Missed…I Love You Eternally

— Latisha Callahan

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