Hayden Ford Carrington came into this world on March 11, 2001, in Cape Girardeau, as a 9-pound, 21 1/2-inch force of life to his ecstatic, yet terrified, mother, Jessica Montgomery Ford Carrington. Hayden, 16, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at his home of an apparent congenital heart ailment.

Hayden was a junior at Notre Dame Regional High School, where he competed on the successful Bulldog state-qualifying swim team. He was also a member of the Franciscan Leadership Class; First Friday Men's Club; Science Club; Blue Crew; Athletes Give Back; Future Business Leaders of America; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; and was a member of the track and field team.

On Sept. 10 he was inducted into the National Honor Society and was looking forward to his chosen service as a volunteer at The Boys and Girls Club and a summer counselor at Camp Re-NEW-All. Hayden was scheduled for Eucharistic Minister training.

He enjoyed being an enthusiastic and proficient lifeguard the past two summers at Cape Splash to meet a young man's automotive expenses. And his passion for movie production, actors and direction made him arguably the family and Notre Dame's "go to" for all movies, including classic and recently released flicks. Hayden was undoubtedly also known for his special ride, an automobile bestowed to him from cousin, Ryan, that not only looks good, but is the loudest in the parking lot.

In addition to his mother, Jessica Carrington, he is survived by his grandmother, Mary Kay Smith of Charleston, Missouri; grandfather, John (Deanna) Ford of Springfield, Missouri; aunt/godmother, Kristin (Kelly) Kimberling of Ozark, Missouri; aunts, Linda (Ron) Gosche of Cape Girardeau, Carolyn (Owen) Anglum of Houston and Sharon (Jim) Bowden of Shawnee, Kansas; cousins/sisters, Taylor and Camryn Denny of Ozark; godfather, Ryan (Marilyn) Gosche of Fruitland; cousins, Sarah (Mike) Sargent of St. Louis, Ben (Ashley) Gosche and Brent (Julie) Anderson, both of Cape Girardeau, and Kristen (Justin) Friedly of Fort Collins, Colorado; beloved kiddos, Blake and Kristin Anderson, Joe and Mina Gosche, and Olivia Sargent, Mila and Maggie Gosche; and extended family, Michaele (Jim) and Luke Riley.

Hayden was quick-witted, funny and softly sarcastic. He loved television's "The Office," "Parks and Recreation" and anything Marvel. One of Hayden's favorite quotes was written by author Charles Dickens and utilized by Batman's police commissioner Gordon: "It is a far, far better thing that I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."

Visitation was held  4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 12th at Notre Dame Regional High School. A prayer service was held at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Most Rev. Edward M. Rice, Bishop of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese, officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Hayden Ford Carrington Memorial Fund at youcaring.com, by searching for "Hayden Carrington."

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.