Hayden "Denver" Stephen Smith

In Loving Memory of Hayden “Denver” Stephen Smith

Hayden Stephen Smith, 26, entered the presence of his Savior on July 2, 2026. Born on April 24, 2000, Hayden lived a life marked by faith, compassion, laughter, and a genuine love for people. Though his time on earth was far too short, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Hayden was well known throughout the community for his kind heart and his ability to make anyone feel welcome. He had a remarkable gift for connecting with people from all walks of life, always taking the time to listen, encourage, and help those around him. Whether meeting a stranger or spending time with lifelong friends, Hayden made people feel seen and valued.

His greatest passion was sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. Hayden never missed an opportunity to tell others about God’s love. He fought his own battles courageously and publicly in the end, and was not afraid to tell others how he struggled and what our great God was doing in his life. His musical talents were a precious gift from God, and he was never more at home than when leading others in worship. Through music, he pointed countless people toward Christ and inspired others to lift their voices in praise.

Hayden also had an incredible sense of humor. He always had a joke ready, a smile to share, or a way to brighten someone’s day. His laughter was contagious, and his joyful spirit left a lasting impression wherever he went.

Above all, Hayden was a devoted husband and father. His greatest earthly joy was his family. He deeply loved his wife, Anna Smith, and cherished every moment with their two children, Kennedy Smith and Ledger Smith. His love for them was unwavering, and his influence will continue to shape their lives for years to come.

Hayden is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Smith; his children, Kennedy Smith and Ledger Smith; his mother, Jeanette Swaim, and stepfather, Mark Swaim; his father, David Smith, and stepmother, Nicole Smith; his grandmother, Patricia Welsh; his grandfather, Dale Welsh; and his grandmother, Carole Smith.

He is also survived by his siblings: Brandon Smith and his wife, Serina Smith; Adrian Smith and his wife, Holly Smith; Hannah Smith; Abigail Smith and her fiancé, Brett Ehlers; and Sean Swaim. He also leaves behind many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and a community that loved him deeply.

Hayden was preceded in death by his grandfather, Stephen Smith.

While our hearts grieve the loss of Hayden’s presence, we rejoice in the hope he held so dearly. He faithfully pointed others to Christ throughout his life, and his family finds comfort in the promise that he is now worshiping in the presence of the Lord he loved so deeply.

“For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created things will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Hayden’s life reminds us that the measure of a person is not found in the number of years they are given, but in the love they share, the lives they touch, and the faith they leave behind. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be from 10:00am to 11:00am on Thursday, July 9th at First Baptist Church Rogers at the Pleasant Grove Campus with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00am.