Vahid "David" Hedayati

Vahid "David" Hedayati left this earthly realm on April 1, 2026. He was born on October 11, 1945 to Behmard and Roohangiz Hedayati in Yazd, Iran. He graduated from the Alborz High School in Tehran, Iran in 1963 and came to the United States to further his education in

1964. He graduated from University of Missouri in Rolla with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969. He married his wife Jeanette in September of 1970 at the Bahá'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. The couple moved to the Dallas area where Vahid worked as an engineer for Dresser firm and later he obtained a Master's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He worked as a geologist and engineer for the Texaco Company in Wichita Falls before moving to Graham, Texas, in 1978 to work for Tommy Littlepage's Well Service. In 1981, he started his own oil and gas company known as New Era International, Inc.

Vahid spent his energy throughout his life devoted to family and service to the Bahá’i Faith and others. Vahid was a faithful follower of Bahá'u'lláh and deeply believed in the basic tenants of the Bahá'i Faith: the oneness of God, the oneness of religion and the oneness of humankind. He was instrumental in helping many family members and friends come to the United States to gain a higher education and escape religious persecution. He served on various Bahá'i Institutions such as Local Spiritual Assemblies, the United States Deep South and National Teaching Committees, and as a representative of the Institution of Huqúqu'lláh. He also was elected to serve as a district delegate for many Bahá'i National Conventions. In the 1980s, at the request of the Pioneering Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly, he went to the Turks and Caicos Islands and developed businesses to provide gainful employment for Bahá'i pioneers to live on the island and for years faithfully helped to facilitate the pioneers to the Islands. He travel-taught the teachings of the Bahái Faith throughout many areas of the United States and when semi-retired lovingly helped drive a bus of Dallas Baháí Youth Workshop members to various performances.

Vahid was a Texan at heart known as a Persian in cowboy boots -- he enjoyed eating at Whataburger and loved drinking Dr. Pepper. As a Grahamite, he was endearingly known as David, a name his father-in-law Louis gave to him. Outside of working, he was a member of the Graham Evening Lions Club for many years and served as President. He and Jeanette volunteered for hospice and sat with many during their final hours. He would often walk to the nearby Elison Assisted Living and play bridge with residents. He volunteered for 23 years delivering Meals on Wheels to Graham residents. He enjoyed weekly trips in the summer to the Farmers Market to buy Dr. Lucas's peaches and faithfully participated in water aerobics at the Graham Wellness Center. He loved the town of Graham which was his home for over 48 years and where he and his wife raised their daughters. He often remarked on what a great place Graham is to live and what wonderful people live Vahid is survived by his wife Jeanette of 55 years. He is the beloved father of Shoaleh Young (husband Jay) and Leyla Bate (husband Bate). He is the grandfather affectionately known as "Baba" to Anisa, Adib (wife Andishé), Isabella and Solomon Young, and Martin and Clara Bate. He is the brother of Homa Villagomez (husband Jesse), Shahin Hazen (husband Sam), and Hamid Hedayati (wife Shawn). He is the brother-in-law of Shahpar Hedayati, Charlotte Marquis (husband Mel), and Jerry Robbin. He has numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents Behmard and Roohangiz Hedayati and brother Saeed Hedayati, as well as his parents-in-law Louis and Hilda Robbin and brother-in-law Benjamin Robbin (wife Patricia).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Graham, TX. Immediately following will be the gravesite service at the Loving Cemetery.

Following the burial, the family invites all to attend an early dinner reception at the Loving Community Center: 1016 Steadham St., Loving, TX 76460. En lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity/Fund of choice in his honor.