Hayward Marc Liebling, 81, of Creve Coeur, Missouri, passed away on May 21, 2026, due to complications of myelodysplasia. Born on October 2, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jerome and Ray Liebling, Hayward grew up with the kind of restless curiosity and big heart that would define his entire life.

After high school, Hayward left New York and joined VISTA, where he traveled the country working on a variety community actions programs, an experience that reflected the deep generosity that was simply part of who he was. It was during those early years that he met and married JoElla Walker and had two children Michelle & Sarah and he began building a career with American Family Insurance as an agent. His outgoing personality, sharp sense of humor, and genuine interest in people served him well. He moved up to a district manager position, where he hired and mentored new agents, many of whom went on to build very successful careers of their own. He eventually returned to running his own agency, building a thriving business until his retirement in 2010.

But retirement never meant slowing down for Hayward. He had always had a passion for watches and loved wearing a different one every day. At the age of 62, he started tinkering with them, taking them apart, and teaching himself the delicate craft of watch repair. What began as a hobby turned into a full-fledged eBay business that he ran with enthusiasm until he was no longer able to make it to his workshop.

Hayward was a man of wide-ranging passions. He loved to read and was just as happy listening to books on tape while driving to appointments. His taste in music ran from country to opera, and he never met a genre he wouldn’t give a chance. He loved sports, theater, movies, and traveling. His last big trip was to Israel with his wife Ann, a journey that held deep meaning for him. He was also a devoted father who coached softball for his daughter Michelle’s teams. In his community, Hayward was an active member of Business Networking organizations and served as President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Through it all, Hayward carried a positive outlook that was contagious. He had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and encouraged.

Hayward is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Liebling; his daughters, Michelle Liebling, Sarah (Liebling) Johnson and her husband Jeff, and stepdaughter Christy (Dirnbeck) Keithley; and his brother, Morey Liebling and his wife Rita, brother-in-law, John Martin & his wife Thelma, grandchildren & nephews.

Hayward was a generous man in a very quiet way. He would say that if you give something and tell, it loses favor with God. His spirituality and love for God were evident not in grand gestures but in his approach to the people he spent time with, as he shared experience, strength, and hope. He gave unselfishly of his time to those who sought his wisdom and to all those he helped along the way.

He was deeply loved by many, and he will truly be missed.

A Celebration of Life is planned for July 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the St. Louis Carousel, located at Faust Park (behind the Butterfly House), 15055 Faust Park, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share stories, and honor a life lived with generosity, humor, and heart.