Donald Christopher "Chris" Hadden

Donald Christopher Hadden

Avera, GA  –         Donald Christopher “Chris” Hadden, 33, loving son of David and Leisa Todd Hadden, and  victim of a violent crime in Clinton County, Missouri in July 2015,  has been found and returned home.  Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Saturday morning, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 AM with Rev Michael Thigpen officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Born in Metter, Chris grew up in Avera and was a 1999 graduate of Jefferson County High School.  A very active child, he played Dixie Youth baseball, was involved in 4H, and other school activities. He was baptized and a member at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he was active in RA’s, Sunday School, Christmas programs and other church functions.  He loved living in a small, rural town—hunting, fishing, working on the farm, riding on country dirt roads and just enjoying the outdoors. Having a “green thumb”—he could “grow” anything—he enjoyed horticulture and aquaculture.  He completed three years of martial arts training under the tutelage of Bill Snider, specializing in Soo Bak Do and achieving a Red Belt ranking.  Chris loved his community and served on Avera’s volunteer fire department.  As a true patriot, his favorite holiday was July 4th.  After 9/11, it was his patriotic duty to join the Air Force, desiring to make a difference in the world by defending his country.  After completing basic training, he was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage AK. Living in Alaska, he could do the things he enjoyed most in life—hunting, fishing, outdoor activities and spending time with his children. Next he was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City SD after which he did a tour in Afghanistan.  Chris was trained and received certification as an aircraft structural maintenance journeyman, proudly receiving secret security clearance and several awards including the Oak Leaf Cluster Merit. He was a mechanical genius, and could repair anything. Chris designed and invented a special tool to make structural repairs more efficient, for which he received a Hard Charger award for saving the military time and thousands of dollars.  Being honorably discharged in 2008, he continued following jobs in his area of expertise which is what took him to Missouri. A loyal friend, Chris was known for his big heart and always made time to help others in any way he could. He had an absolute love for his family—especially his children, parents and sister—and was most content and happy in their presence.  Death has left a void that no one can fill, but his love has left us memories that no one can steal.

Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Jake Quincy Moxley; paternal grandfathers, Donald Price Hadden and James Lee Hobbs; and a favorite uncle, Calvin Todd.  Other survivors include his three children, Ashton Faythe Hadden, Hunter Nickolas Hadden and Reese Dillard Hadden; sister, Emily Marie Hadden; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Hadden; and maternal grandparents, Peggy S. Moxley and Dekle Dean Todd Sr.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Pallbearers will be Chandler Hadden, Spencer Hadden, Robert Hoffman, Michael Huff, Brad Irby, Gary Kitchens, Doug Landrum and Brandon Walden.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Avera Volunteer Fire Department.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to The Donald Christopher Hadden Foundation, c/o Leisa Hadden, 1087 Main Street, Avera GA 30803 in order to help fund the Veteran’s Memorial Park and museum in Avera.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday evening, March 17, 2017.

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