Donald Lee Hadden

HADDEN, Donald Lee, 88, went to be eternally in the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 5, 2026.

Donald (Don) was born on May 21, 1937 in Birmingham, AL, to Charles Hadden, Jr. and Margaret Hadden. Don graduated from Murphy High School, Mobile, AL in 1955. He began his career as a land surveyor, starting his business Don Hadden & Associates in 1976, which completed many projects serving the Birmingham, AL area.

Don married his darling sweetheart, Joyce Knight Hadden, on September 29, 1956 and they lived in North Jefferson County, AL and were married for 60 years. They had 2 daughters, Deborah Hadden Zekoff of Birmingham, AL and Shelley Hadden Smith of Huntsville, AL.

Don was beloved by many in both his church and his community. His love for God was evident in his love for others. There are countless stories of the many ways he and Joyce gave of their time and resources to help family, friends, and even strangers. Don treasured the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was a long time member of Huffman Baptist Church, joining in 1966 and serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and deacon.

Don was also an active member of Rotary Club International and led the Birmingham-East chapter and served as Governor for District #6860 from 2003-2004. Don loved being outdoors and was an avid hiker and camper. He always used the beauty of nature as an opportunity to point others to God, our Creator.

Don is survived by his daughters Deborah (George) Zekoff and Shelley Smith, his brothers Charles (Charlotte) Hadden and Bobby (Diane) Hadden, his sister Mary Beth Squires, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Hadden Jr. and Margaret Bryars Hadden; his darling wife, Joyce Knight Hadden; and brother, Keith Hadden.

The service for Don Hadden will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 2:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 PM prior to the service.

A private burial to follow on Monday, March 16th: Jefferson Memorial Gardens East, AL.

Memorial donations can be made in Don’s name to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org)