Kenneth Ray Hadley

Kenneth Hadley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with lingering illness.

He was known for his infectious sense of humor, always able to bring laughter to any situation. His playful spirit shone through in his goofy photos, his enthusiastic renditions of "Happy Birthday”, and his love for listening to upbeat music and country classics which he called “toe tappers”.

Born on November 24, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, to his loving parents, Wilma and Gene Hadley, Kenneth lived a full and joyful life, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and love. He lived a life filled with a deep love for the outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, hunting, and embracing the beauty of nature. His passion for art was evident in the many projects he created for his family, each piece a lasting reminder of his creativity. He will be remembered not only for his craftsmanship but also for his love of cooking. Every meal he prepared was made with care and warmth, bringing joy to his children and grandchildren (especially Dutch oven pies). He also had an extensive knowledge of vehicles and  motorcycles, he found great satisfaction in working on them, always eager to share his skills and lend a helping hand.

Kenneth, Master Sergeant Hadley dedicated 34 years to the Utah Air National Guard. He was an In-Flight Refueling Specialist commonly known as the “Boom Operator” with the 191st Air Refueling Squadron. He was responsible for performing in-flight refueling duties, including operating the refueling boom and ensuring safe fuel transfer between aircraft. During his tenure in the Utah Air National Guard, he’d get called to active duty and deploy to Vietnam, The Gulf War, and Operation Uphold Democracy. He served honorably, and after 34 years of service, he retired to enjoy a more subtle life. Even though, if it were up to him, he would continue to serve to this very day.

He dedicated many years of his life to working at Delta Airlines as part of the Ground Crew, where he formed countless lifelong friendships. His career also allowed him to share the joy of travel with his family, creating cherished memories, especially in Hawaii. He loved taking Dorothy on new adventures, where their love grew as he encouraged her to step beyond her comfort zone. One of his most unforgettable experiences was traveling to Alaska with family, where Kerry proudly caught a record-breaking halibut.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Dorothy Hadley; their cherished children, Kerry Hadley, Sheri Brown (Robert), and Jodie Grundmann (Cory); and his beloved grandchildren, Adam Brown (Katie), Katelin Bell (Douglas), Lauren Grundmann, and Cameron Grundmann. He also leaves behind his treasured great-grandchildren, Jax Bell, Sophie Brown, and Theo Byrne, who brought him immense joy. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and dear siblings, and he is now reunited with them including Gene and Wilma Hadley, Betty Earl, Chris Brown, Phyllis Harris, and, most recently, his older brother, Harry Hadley. Kenneth was always accompanied by his furry companions, his puppies, Yuki and Mochi, whom he lovingly referred to as his “best friends.” His dog, Annie, who passed away some time ago, also provided him with comfort and support throughout his battle with illness, always offering unwavering loyalty and love. He often said, "If dogs don't go to heaven, I want to go where they go”.

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 29, 2025, at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd (7600 South). A viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.