Donald Allen Hadden

Fathers are special individuals. They give life, nurture it and nourish it. One of the most grieving moments of anyone’s life is to watch their father breathe his last breath yet it is one of the most honorable. Donald Allen Hadden ended his journey on earth and returned to the spiritual world on January 29, 2017, after a lengthy battle with melanoma.

Don was cared for lovingly during his illness by the woman he adored and shared 63 years, Thelma (Porter). She survives him with their three children: Sue (Dave) Miller, Cherie (Keith “Red”) Beck, Scott Hadden, and three grandchildren: Ann (Ryan) Kotch, Eric Miller & Matthew “Mack” Miller.

Don was born in Lansing, MI on April 26, 1927 to Harold and Gertrude Hadden. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings James Hadden, Patricia Tomlinson, Harold Hadden and Gerald Hadden.

He is a Naval veteran of WWII and the Korean War. Between the two wars he began his 37 year career with Oldsmobile of Lansing which ended in the Material Control Department. Don built the home he and Thelma lived in for over 60 years. He learned the skill of carpentry and continued to create and build projects and treasures throughout his life for others. Don’s life was centered on his family. He and Thelma vacationed with their children and grandchildren on many occasions in the Caribbean, the western U.S., and northern Michigan. He was the stability a family needs and provided this unselfishly. His humor and wit brought many smiles to others even during his most difficult days.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 11, 2017, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1315 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, MI. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

The family is very thankful to all those who provided such wonderful care over Don’s illness.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the church, or the Sparrow Foundation - Sparrow Home Hospice, or the Sparrow Foundation - Herbert-Herman Cancer Center, both addressed to PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.