Jan. 9, 1927-June 11, 2023
Rex W. Hadden, 96, peacefully passed away on June 11, 2023, in St. George, Utah. He was born on a very cold, wintery day on Jan. 9, 1927, in Duchesne, Utah, to William and Jane Harward Hadden.
Rex joined the Navy at 17 with his best friend in 1944. He served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1946. While overseas in the South Pacific, a friend asked him if he would like to write letters to a young lady in Pueblo, Colorado. They corresponded for over a year. Upon his discharge, he was able to meet Jennie Flemons. Later in the year, they were married on Aug. 21, 1946, in Pueblo. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1949.
Rex has been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the bishopric and many other callings throughout his life.
He started his career with Mountain Bell (later known as U.S. West) as a lineman. Throughout his career, he rose through the ranks of lineman to management. He became Exchange Manager for Douglas, Powell, Cody, Cheyenne and Thermopolis, Wyoming, telephone offices. He was able to retire at 53.
Rex and Jennie raised their family mostly in Powell, Wyoming.
Rex found his love for horses when he was introduced to his first Appaloosa horse Little Lonely in 1960. From that time forward, horses became a huge part of the Hadden family life. Rex taught himself and his children to become showmen in the horse world. He worked hard to become a top-notched showman winning national and world championships throughout the U.S and Canada. After years of showing horses, he turned his passion to judging horse shows.
After retiring from Mountain Bell and hanging up his judging hat, Rex and Jennie went on three missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Charlotte, North Carolina (1986-87), Tempe, Arizona (1990-91) and Los Angeles, California (1994-95).
After their last mission, they built a new home in Cody, Wyoming. After a year or so, they decided to “get out of the cold” and moved to St. George, Utah. There they built their forever home. While retired in St. George, Dad discovered his love and talent for drawing and painting landscapes. Over the years he has painted many landscapes so that his children and grandchildren can have one hanging in their homes to remind them of Dad/Grandpa and his many talents.
Rex was a great example to his children and grandchildren. He loved to work hard and provide for his family. He spent his whole life serving family, friends and his Savior Jesus Christ. We will miss his quiet strength, his spiritual wisdom, his heart of gold and his massive, sweet tooth. His family’s lives are forever changed and blessed because of him. He will be missed by many family members, neighbors and friends.
Rex is preceded in death by his parents William and Jane Hadden; his siblings Leland Hadden, Ivan Hadden, Marie Hadden, Billie Hadden and Bernard Hadden; and infant grandson Rex Fish Wilson.
He is survived by his wife Jennie L. Hadden; children Dan (Jane) Hadden, Powell, Wyoming, Pat Wilkins, Queen Creek, Arizona, Rusty Hadden, St. George, Utah, and Annette Eccles, Reston, Virginia; grandchildren Chris Sauric, Scott Sauric, Ryan Hadden, Travis Wilson, Brandy Dunaway, Jasi Hadden, Preston Wilson, Jamie Adams, Dallin Wilson, Skyler Hadden, Brandon Eccles and Gavin Eccles; and 30 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Zions Way Hospice and especially Michelle for all the devoted care that Dad received. Michelle, you are such an angel to our family. Our hearts are full of gratitude for your service.
Rex’s celebration of life will be held in the fall.