John Stanley Hayworth, Sr.

John Stanley Hayworth, Sr., was born April 13, 1931 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of George Charles and Lizzie Beatrice (Pillion) Hayworth. He went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2024, at the age of 93.

John’s military career began when he enlisted in the 127th Fighter Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard on 26 August 1947. He first served as an Aircraft Mechanic on the F-51 aircraft. He was employed by the Beech and Boeing Aircraft Companies in Wichita until the activation of the 127th Fighter Squadron in October 1950 during the Korean conflict to activate Alexandria Air Force Base (now England AFB) in Louisiana. After mobilization, he assisted in the transition of the 127th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. In 1953 Chief Hayworth became a fulltime employee of the 127th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. In January 1968 the 127th was activated and deployed in July to Korea and upon return, Chief Hayworth assumed the duties ads Flight Chief. In 1971, he was assigned as Flight Line Superintendent and in 1977 promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

He was later assigned to Headquarters, Kansas Air National Guard as the Senior Enlisted Advisor. As such, he was responsible to the Kansas Air National Guard Headquarters, the 184th Tactical Fighter Group and 190th Air Refueling Group in all matters relating to the enlisted personnel with in the Kansas Air National Guard. His leadership, innovation and many years of experience made him a natural for this task: Interfacing with the commanders, enlisted members and leadership in crafting solutions to personnel and readiness problems facing the Air Guard. During his career, he was instrumental in the successful conversion of his unit form the F-51, to the F-84, to the F-80, to the F-86, to the F-100 to the F-105 and ultimately, to the F-4D aircraft.

Chief Hayworth introduced many innovations to resolve personnel difficulties during his tenure and was looked upon as an enlisted leader that could be counted upon. His solutions were palatable for line, midlevel and upper management while enhancing readiness. Many of his programs were adopted by other National Guard units and the active Air Force as models to accomplish the most complex of missions.

In addition to his National Guard duties, Chief Hayworth was active in the community, supporting various church activities, including responsibilities of Sunday School Teacher and member of the Church School Board. He was a Scout Leader and established an Air Explorer Post at Bethany Lutheran Church in Wichita. He also worked with the Boy Scout Quivera Council of Chatuaqua County. He served on the Southwest Boys Club Organization Committee and volunteered to assist with YMCA sports activities. Chief Hayworth is a life member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the National Rifle Association and supporter of the Museum of the Kansas National Guard.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award wit two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Longevity Ribbon with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Badge, the Air Force Training Ribbon and the Kansas Air National Guard Service Medal. He was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame, 7 November 1999.

He is survived by his wife Michelle Hayworth of Derby, daughter Kathleen Page and Bill Page, both of Augusta, son Anthony Hayworth of California, daughter Lisa Berry of Wichita, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles Hayworth, and two sons, John S. Hayworth, Jr., and Daniel T. Hayworth.

Memorial services will be 10:30am Thursday, July 25, at Smith Mortuary in Derby, followed by military honors at 1:30pm at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Winfield.

A memorial has been established with Passageways, 2627 S. Bennett Ave., Wichita, KS 67217.