John Haden

1921 - 2010

John Haden, 89, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at a local health care facility. Funeral: 11:30 a.m. Monday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas. Father Carl Schilken of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church will officiate. Attendees must be in the proper lane at the cemetery by 11:15 a.m. Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Road, Hurst. John's grandsons will serve as bearers of his casket. While attending the University of Texas, where he graduated with a BBA in 1942, he was introduced to his two loves, his wife, Merle Lorino, and the airplane. His intention of becoming an attorney was radically changed after attending his first air show. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the Navy as a student naval aviation pilot. Two days after his commissioning he was married. John transferred into the Marine Corps where he flew a variety of aircraft ranging from the N2S Stearman to the F7F Tigercat. His favorite airplane, which he flew during World War II, was the F4U Corsair. John distinguished himself in combat while stationed in Okinawa and received the Air Medal as well as a Presidential Unit Citation for his service and airmanship during the war. Recalled into active duty during the Korean War, John was known as "Pappy Haden" and served in the famed Black Sheep Squadron (VMF-214). He was at home again in the cockpit and at the controls of an F4U Corsair. He was awarded the Gold Star in lieu of a second Air Medal and also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his airmanship and heroism while assigned to the Black Sheep Squadron in Korea. After the Korean War John returned home to raise his family and pursue a career in the printing business. His love for flying never ended and in the mid '60s he returned to the air. This time he was piloting a Cessna 172 which enabled him to expand his sales territory while advancing his sales career. He continued to fly for many happy years with his co-pilot, his wife, Merle, who accompanied him on many of his flights. John and his wife of nearly 69 years attended St. John the Apostle Catholic church in North Richland Hills. He and his wife worked tireless hours at the Fort Worth Convention Center concession stands to help retire the church's construction fund debt. Throughout his life he served in numerous church-affiliated organizations providing a variety of services to the church. John was a wonderful father, husband and friend. He was very active in all aspects of his children's lives. He is especially remembered for his "do as I do" mentoring skills. He was an extraordinary role model to those who knew him. His legacy will live on through the lives of his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. John's battles did not end in Korea. During his later years he fought a long and arduous battle with esophageal cancer. John's wife and family extend our heartfelt eternal gratitude to the numerous physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists and allied staff members who were instrumental in extending John's life an additional six years. Particularly we offer our thanks to Dr. Haraish K. Dhingra and Pat, RN; Dr. Stephen S. Ferney and Louise, RN; Dr. Randall Davis; Dr. A.J. Dubey; Dr. J. Steven Burdick and Candice; Dr. Gary L. Jones and Wanda as well as Dr. Don Johnston. Special recognition also goes to the staff at Parkwood Healthcare Community in Bedford and lastly to Vitas Hospice. You have all been a gift to John and his family. John was preceded in death by a son, John Maurice Haden. Survivors: His wife of 68 years, Merle Haden; son, Tom Haden and wife, Beth; daughter, Mary Ann Steffek and husband, John Charles; grandchildren, Haden Anthony Steffeck and wife, Courtney, John Logan Steffeck, John Richard Haden and wife, Julie, Joseph Thomas Haden and wife, Gloria, Davis Anthony Haden and wife, Krisin, and Rita Jane Haden; great-grandchildren, Austin Matthew Steffeck, Jacqueline Elizabeth Steffeck, Kelsey Renee Haden, Nathalie Shey Haden, Grant Haden, Bret Haden, Megan Haden and Madison Haden; daughter-in-law, Linda Haden; sister-in-law, Jean Haden; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.