Donald Gerald Hadden, son of Daniel Boone and Carrie Olivia (Jackson) Hadden, was born on July 27, 1927 at Essex, Iowa. He passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 83.

Donald grew up outside of Essex where he attended the Essex Schools, graduating from Essex High School with the Class of 1945. He worked at Johnson Locker in Essex and also worked at Mount Arbor Nurseries in Shenandoah during his working days. Don served his country during the Korean Conflict serving in the Army from June 1952 through May 1954.

On May 29, 1967, Donald was united in marriage with Mae Elizabeth Bartles at Fremont, Nebraska. Donald lived all his life in Essex with exception of his two years in the service. Don enjoyed camping and fishing. He was a member of the Shenandoah Eagles Club and also the Essex Hadden-Holmes-Weatherall American Legion Post #333.

Preceding Don in death were his parents; wife, Mae; two brothers, George and Wilson Hadden; sister, Allie Hadden; half-sisters, Golda, Flora and Dora Hadden.

Survivors include his step-son, Ben Williams; step-granddaughters, Angela and Stephanie; several nieces and nephews, Terry Hadden and wife Arilla of Essex, Michelle McGuire and Don Bartles of Shenandoah, and Jimmy Hadden of Red Oak; other relatives and friends.