Loyd Wayne Hawley, 78, a resident of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2026 in Springdale, Arkansas. He was born March 30, 1948 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the son of Robert Leroy and Avie Irene (Ballard) Hawley.
Loyd Wayne was born and raised in Prairie Grove and is proud to have called the community his home for 78 years. He grew up working with his family on a Holstein Dairy Farm and learned from a young age what a hard day of work looked like. He started breaking horses to ride when he was very young and never remembered a time that he had not been in the saddle riding. Loyd Wayne graduated Prairie Grove High School in 1966 and enjoyed being active in FFA, 4H, football, basketball and enjoyed as many other school activities he could, in between his farm chores. Loyd Wayne and his Dad, Leroy, worked closely together and were the best of friends until Leroy’s death in 2021.
He completed three years at the University of Arkansas, where he met his wife of 58 years, Sarah McCall Hawley. He was a dedicated family man who loved his family immensely. Loyd & Sarah raised their three children active in farm life, with much of their time spent riding mules and horses. Many hours were spent on family trail rides, mule shows, and camping adventures.
Loyd Wayne was Nationally known and recognized for his Mule breeding and training program. He dedicated much of his life to enhancing the Mule industry and was very proud of the positive impact he made.
He was known by many names; Son, Brother, Husband, Daddy, Grandad, and Muleman. He was one of the last of the true Cowboys and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife of 58yrs. Sarah Hawley; three children, Vince Hawley (Liz), Marcus Hawley (Melissa), and Rachel Hawley; ten grandchildren, Alexis Davis, Alayna Doan, Cami Arnold, Claire Hawley, Kole Hawley, Ella Hawley, Mason Hawley, Sarah Winkler, Lauren Anderson, and Blake Anderson; and five great-grandchildren, Asa Mathews, Avie Mathews, Moses Arnold, Hudson Winkler, and Declan Davis.
Funeral Services will be held at a later date.