QUITMAN — Hayden Vernon Squires, 88, of Quitman died surrounded by family on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, following a lengthy illness.

Services will be held Friday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m., at the Quitman United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jay Roberson and the Rev. Ronnie Wills officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Quitman.

He was born on Aug. 30, 1920, in Colquitt County, Ga., to the late Enoch Grayer Squires and Blanche Jones Squires. In addition to serving in many leadership positions at Quitman United Methodist Church, he also served the community and was a retired public servant. He served the country and was a decorated World War II veteran, having flown in more than 50 successful combat missions in the European Theatre while serving in the Army Air Corps.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 15 years and mother of his children, Lucile Richardson Squires, and his loving wife of 43 years, Latrelle Simmons Squires; four brothers; and four sisters.

He is survived by his children Elaine (Bivins) Robinson of Valdosta, Kenny (Wendy) Squires of Eatonton, Ga., Kal (Melody) Squires of Panama City, Fla., Beverly (Bill) Rogers of Quitman, and Mike (Dawn) Squires and Greg (Robin) Squires, all of Quitman; his stepchildren, Darlene  Roberson of Tifton, Ga., Gail (Frank) Griffin of Macon, Ga., and Diann (Danny) Petrovich of Bonita Springs, Fla.; his faithful friend and brother, E.G. Squires of Moultrie; 22 grandchildren, Jamie (Leslie) Hall, Wendy Hall, Amy (Don) Holley, Lisa Robinson, Stacie (Russ) Penar, Brady (Liz) Squires, Brooke (Mikey) Bass, Jason Squires, Jessica (Jason) Sunday, Neil Johnson, Michael Squires, Marty (Mike) Pallone, Regina (Omar) Garcia, Elijah Daniel, Kaleb Squires, Travis (Amy) Tacner, Tim Tacner, Chad (Allison) Griffin, Kerri (Brad) Rule, Rodney Roberson, Terry Hilton, and Kay Hilton; 24 great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held today, Nov. 6, in the chapel of Maxwell-Miller Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m.

Floral tributes will be accepted or those desiring may make contributions to Quitman United Methodist Church Fellowship of Need fund.

Condolences may be conveyed online at www.maxwellmillerfuneralhome.com or www.moultrieobserver.com.

Maxwell-Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.