Obituary of Charles L. Hadley

1SG (ret'd) Charles L. Hadley passed away on December 28, 2016 in Henderson NV at his daughter's home after a fierce battle with cancer. He was born on October 3, 1938 in the village of Bath. He was fond of saying that when he was born his mother held him up in front of the window which faced Grove Cemetery across the street, the result of which was that it scared him so bad he couldn't walk or talk for the first full year of his life! He served our country honorably and meritoriously in the US Army from 1955-1976. Awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, 5 Good Conduct Medals, 4 National Defense Service Medals, 6 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars and 1 Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Aircraft Crewman Badge and Expert M-16 Rifle Ribbon. His loving family included his wife, the former Margaret D. Tompkins, who predeceased him in 2010. Together they had three children, all who survive him. His daughter, Donna Jo (Richard) Bennett along with her children Candice (Nick) Garasimowicz and Richard (Cherie) Swift along with their children Jordan & Austin; his son Don (Kelli) Hadley along with their sons Dustyn & Aaron; and his son Darren (Emma) Hadley. Later in life a son from his wife's previous marriage, Eric (Kathy) Riley and their five children (Pam, Bryan, Jenn, Randy, and Kim) joined the family, and through the years added 12 more great grandchildren and a great-great grandson. He is also survived by his sisters Verna Hadley, Jeanie Lemen, and Janice Stryker, sisters-in-law Beverly (Ron) Matthews, Joan (Jim) Budinski, and brother-in-law Charles Tompkins as well as many nieces and nephews. Special friends include Richard Swift & Julie Pietsch along with Marge Hallifax. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles J. and Ruth, as well as his brother Earl. Chuck was a life member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Army Otter-Caribou Association. While he was a member of the Boone Saddle Club in Boone, IA he participated in the Pony Express ride annually to benefit Camp Sunshine. Interment of his ashes will be held at a later date at Grove Cemetery.