CHUCK HADEN

CHUCK HADEN

April 9, 1946 – February 25, 2026

Chuck Haden, age 79, was born in Littlerock, Arkansas on April 9, 1946, and passed peacefully on February 25, 2026, at his daughter's home, surrounded by family.

Chuck graduated from Hanford High School in 1964, where he lettered in football and baseball, and went on to graduate from UCLA in 1968. Though he planned to become a Physical Therapist, the Vietnam War led him to join the United States Air Force.

He proudly served 20 years as an Air Force pilot, with tours in Thailand, Korea, and various domestic bases. He flew the T-37, OV-10, A-7, F-104, and A-10 aircraft and earned numerous competition awards, honors, commendations, and service awards throughout his distinguished career. He retired as a Major at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.

Chuck continued flying commercially with TWA and American Airlines. After retiring from the airline, he became an instructor at FlightSafety, mentoring future pilots in the final chapter of his professional life.

Chuck loved boating at Apache Lake, where he formed many lasting friendships. He also enjoyed NASCAR and was a devoted dog lover, owning several Cocker Spaniels named Harley, in honor of his love for riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Bailey and Carl Haden; his stepfather, Bill Bailey; his wife, Jeanette; and his daughter, Alyson Haden Geith.

Chuck is survived by his daughter, Melanie Brenner (Mark); his grandchildren, Haden and Haylee Brenner, and Ryder, Zane, and Remi Geith; his stepchildren, Joe, John, and Jennifer Pietrzyk; Jeanette's grandson, Liam Pietrzyk; and his faithful dog companion, Max.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Frontier Steak & Spirits in Safford, Arizona.

He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Jeanette at Marana Veterans Memorial Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.