White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Marvin Ocker Hayward, 88 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died of natural causes, Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Lexington Estate in Independence.

Inurnment will be 3:00 p.m. – Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, followed by a Celebration of Life reception from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Crowbar in Independence.

Marvin was born November 17, 1937, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Lenn S. and Margaret Inez (Ocker) Hayward. He graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1956. On September 23, 1956, he was united in marriage to Joann Ester Marsh in Jesup, Iowa. They made their home in rural Independence where they raised their family. Marvin worked for the Buchanan County Roads Department for 38 years, retiring as a maintenance foreman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting, and trap shooting. In his later years he never missed morning coffee with the guys.

Marvin is survived by his daughter, Lorrie (Michael) Rasmussen of Rowley, Iowa; two sons, Dirk (Diane) Hayward of Floral City, Florida, Brock (Sam) Hayward of Hernando, Florida; six grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joann; one sister, Phyllis Fuller; and two brothers, Jim Hayward and Dale “Shorty” Hayward.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.