Charles Edward Hadley

Charles “Chuck” E. Hadley, 73, of Hartford died on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.

Charles was born on Aug. 2, 1949, the son of Elmer “Gene” and Betty Gene (Root) Hadley. Charles graduated from the Hartford High School in 1967, and later attended Michigan State University. Charles met his wife, Linda (Peterson) Hadley on the beach of Lake Michigan while camping at Covert Park. The two married on Sept. 21, 1974. He worked as a truck driver in construction for Southwest Transport, which helped build many roads in Van Buren and Berrien Counties. He co-owned the Hadley Family Restaurant of Hartford for a short period, worked at Prudential as an insurance salesman, and finally ended his career working for many years as the store manager at Auto Zone in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and South Haven, and then as a recruiter for the company.

Charles enjoyed his retirement years, volunteering his time at the Hartford Bible Church, which he loved. He took pride in cooking the monthly men's breakfast, and helping with programs like the jail outreach, Sunday school and summer vacation Bible school. He was an avid stamp collector over the years and his other hobbies, including golfing, painting, and watching Chicago Cubs baseball. Seeing the Cubs win the World Series in 2016 was a lifelong dream of his.

Charles is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda (Peterson) Hadley of Hartford; his children: Sarah Hadley of St. Joseph, Melissa Hadley and Greg O'Leary of Roselle, Ill., and Brett Hadley of Hartford; his brother, David and sister-in-law, Debbie Hadley of Paw Paw; along with brothers and sisters-in-law: Greg and Nancy Peterson of Hudsonville, Keith and Tommie Peterson of Sawyer; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Elmer and Betty Hadley; and brother-in-law, Steve Peterson – Concord, N.J.

The family will be welcoming family and friends to a gathering of celebration of life, on Sunday, Aug. 6, at Hartford Bible Church. The visitation will be at 2 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m., with luncheon to follow. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will be in North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, in a private ceremony with family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hartford Bible Church, Grace Christian Schools, or charity of choice per his wishes. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memories for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.