Retrieving Freedom, Inc. joins the Sedalia Community in mourning the passing of Robert D. "Bob" Hayden, who died peacefully at his home at WoodDale Farm on July 20, 2026, at the age of 88. Bob and his late wife, Barbara, are the reason Retrieving Freedom exists in Sedalia, and their generosity continues to change lives every single day.
Retrieving Freedom's Missouri campus was built and currently operates on the Haydens' property adjacent to WoodDale Farm, an enduring gift from Bob and Barbara Hayden. On that campus, service dogs raised and trained to serve veterans with disabilities and children with autism, a mission that reflects everything Bob held dear: his love of dogs, his devotion to his country, and his belief in giving back.
"Mr. Hayden remains an inspiration for how to live," said Brandon Butler, CEO of Retrieving Freedom, Inc. "His love of family and friends, passion for animals, appreciation of the natural world, deep generosity, and unyielding patriotism all set examples to follow. What he has done to help veterans with disabilities and children with autism through Retrieving Freedom is truly remarkable. He changed many lives. God bless Mr. Hayden, the rest of the Hayden family, and his entire Starline Brass family."
Bob's connection to Retrieving Freedom was a natural extension of a life spent outdoors alongside his beloved Golden and Labrador Retrievers. In retirement, he actively trained and competed in field trial competitions, many of them hosted at WoodDale Farm. His deep love for these dogs, along with a lifelong commitment to veterans that began with his early career at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant and his service in the Army National Guard Reserves, came together in his vision for Retrieving Freedom's Sedalia campus.
Through the Hayden Freedom Foundation, Bob and Barbara gave generously for years to organizations they believed were vital to their community and the nation. Retrieving Freedom has been honored to be among them. The Foundation's steadfast support has helped make it possible for every Service Dog to be placed at no cost to the Veterans and families who need them.
Bob was also a pillar of American manufacturing, leading Sierra Bullets for 43 years and co-founding Starline Brass with Barbara, bringing both companies and hundreds of jobs to Sedalia in the early 1990s. But those who knew him best will remember his kindness, his humor, and his giving heart.
The Hayden family gratefully suggests that memorial contributions in Bob's honor be made to Retrieving Freedom, 20360 Tangle Nook Road, Sedalia, MO 65301. Contributions can be made at retrievingfreedom.org/donate.
The entire Retrieving Freedom family, including the staff, volunteers, clients, and the service dogs Bob loved so much, extends its deepest condolences to the Hayden family. His legacy will live on in every dog trained on the campus made possible by his and Barbara's generosity, and in every life those dogs change.
About Retrieving Freedom, Inc.: Retrieving Freedom, Inc. is an ADI-accredited nonprofit organization that breeds, raises, and trains service dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism. Each dog completes a minimum two-year training period and is placed at no cost to the recipient. With facilities in Sedalia, Missouri, and Waverly, Iowa, Retrieving Freedom has placed more than 188 Service Dogs across 25+ states. To learn more or to support the mission, visit retrievingfreedom.org.