Obituary of Kelly Dee Hadden

Kelly Dee Hadden, 56, recently of Morenci, Arizona, entered into heavenly rest on Monday June 26, 2023.

Kelly was born April 29, 1967 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, welcomed by his parents Charlie and Nancy Hadden and sister, Marcella. Kelly grew up on a ranch in Osage County, riding horses and tending cattle alongside his dad.  Each summer Kelly looked forward to attending Christian sports camps in Missouri where he was strengthened in both his faith and his athletic abilities. He graduated high school in 1985 and then joined his family in moving to Tucson in 1987. 

Kelly met Dayna Eileen Ober in 1996 and the two were married in 2000. 

After completing a bachelor of science in chemistry education in 2004 at the University of Arizona, Mr. Hadden began teaching chemistry and physics in 2005 at Cienega High School in the Vail Unified School District, AZ. He continued in his beloved field of education by obtaining a Masters of Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2008. Mr. Hadden went on to work as Assistant Principal at Cienega High School for 10 years.

In 2021 Mr. Hadden accepted the position of Principal at Fairbanks Middle School, Morenci. He was dedicated to each student, parent, and teacher. Everyone at school was important to Kelly, from assistants to administrators, custodians to counselors.

Kellly was preceded in death by his father Charlie Monroe Hadden and beloved nephew Christopher Hadden Carr. 

Kelly is survived by wife Dayna Ober Hadden, two daughters Alladene Grace, Joanna Lynn, and son Jeremiah Paul of Tucson.

He is also survived by mother Nancy Hadden of Vail, sister Marcella and husband Philip James of Phoenix, an uncle Ellis and aunt Louise Anderson of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Kelly leaves behind his beloved nephews Charles and Calen Carr, two great nieces, additional extended family, and countless dear friends and colleagues. 

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held July 29 at 12:00 pm at Christ Community Church 530 S. Pantano Road Tucson, Arizona 85710.

The service will be officiated by Chase Hildenbrand of Christ Community Church and Mike Wright of Sonoita Bible Church, with reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lion’s Club- Morenci Chapter, Samaritan’s Purse, or Gideons International in Kelly’s honor.