Joseph Albert “Jodie” Haydon, 80, a lifelong resident of Bardstown, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. He was born March 1, 1945. He lived a life rooted deeply in faith, service, family, and community — a life that touched countless hearts and left an enduring mark on the place he proudly called home.
He was a graduate of St. Joe Prep and Bellarmine College. He Jodie believed firmly in the power of education and hard work. These values carried him through a lifetime of leadership and public service.
He served his country honorably in the Army National Guard, completing a tour in Vietnam. He later went on to represent his community as the 50th District state representative in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
Over the years, he dedicated himself to numerous organizations, including the Kentucky Lottery Commission, Bardstown City Council, the Knights of Columbus, and the Kentucky Crushed Stone Association, where he served as chairman. He also served as chairman of Flaget Memorial Hospital and was inducted into the Bethlehem High School Hall of Fame — a testament to his long-standing devotion to uplifting others.
Professionally, he was a respected businessman and former president of Haydon Holdings. It was in his community involvement and personal relationships where his character shone brightest. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph Parish and gave generously of his time, talent, and heart. Whether mentoring young people, offering wise guidance to friends, or lending a hand wherever it was needed, he lived his belief that service was both a duty and a privilege.
Above all, his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother — someone whose presence warmed every room he entered. His seven grandchildren were the pride of his life, and he never missed a sports game, school event, or milestone moment. His daughters grew up with the certainty that their father would always be there — steady, encouraging, and full of the kind of wisdom that could brighten any dark day. He taught perseverance not by words alone, but by the optimistic, determined way he lived each day.
Jodie Haydon lived a life defined by loyalty, faith, generosity, and love. His strength carried his family through difficult times, and his optimism inspired those lucky enough to know him. Bardstown is better because he was part of it.
Jodie’s story will continue to live on in the community he served, and in the hearts of the family he loved so deeply.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Greenwell Haydon; his parents, Joseph Albert and Leona Isabelle Blanford Haydon; one sister, Sherry Haydon Bruce; and two brothers, James Gregory Haydon and Charles David Haydon.
He is survived by two daughters, Allison Haydon Osborne (Chris Osborne) and Amy Haydon Pehlke; four sisters, Mary Florence Barnes (the late Bill Barnes), Norma Jean Haydon (Ben Barber), Cathy Greer, Charlotte Bickel (John); three brothers, Steve Haydon (Carole), John Haydon (Mary Ellen) and Paul Haydon (Umaara); seven grandchildren, Caroline Osborne, Christopher Osborne (Amy Luu), Haydon Osborne, Nicholas Osborne, Miller Osborne, Amelia Pehlke and Hilary Pehlke; one brother-in-law, Karlos Bruce; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with the Rev. Randall Hubbard officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Barlow Funeral Home, and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem High School and St. Joseph Church.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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