John Arthur Hadden Sr., age 93, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.

      John was born on November 16, 1931, in Flora, Illinois, to John Chester Hadden and Gladys Irene (Fellows) Hadden.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elinor Irene (Swagger) Hadden, on December 31, 1954, and she preceded him in death in 2019.

      John was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany, and the Army National Guard.  He was happiest spending time surrounded by his family, telling stories, with a cigar in his hand.  John never knew a stranger, and his fun-loving personality drew people to him everywhere he went.  He was a member of the Flora VFW Post 3999.

      John is survived by six children: Bill (Joan) Hadden of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Zona Halsey McTarnahan (John) of Austin, Texas, Shaun Hagenseiker of Effingham, Illinois, Stephanie (Patrick) Funkhouser of Sidney, Illinois, Cheryl (Jason) Cullen of Clarkdale, Arizona, and Stephen (Juli) Hadden of Phoenix, Arizona; 35 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great grandchildren (with one on the way); a brother-in-law, Gene Swagger of Corryton, Tennessee, many nieces and nephews and his good friend, Drue Elliott of Olney, Illinois. 

      He was preceded in death by his wife, Elinor; his parents; his brother, Harold Bell Wright; one son, John Hadden Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Bob Swagger.

      There will be no formal services.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to Flora VWF Post 3999, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share condolences or a memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com.