Victor Hadding

ELIDA - Victor P. Hadding Jr., 79, of Elida, passed away in the early morning of February 4, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy Hadding, his children, Teresa (Jeff) Adams, of Covington, GA, Tonia (Dennis) Morris, of Canton, GA, Lisa (Jorge) Cadena, of Windermere, FL, Richard (Tina) Hadding of Lima, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, many of whom inherited his piercing blue eyes.

Born and raised in Lima, Vic served in the Vietnam War and returned to his hometown with a handmade Peace tattoo on his arm and the forever habit of pouring salt in his beer. He retired in 2009 after working for two decades at Clark Equipment and another 25 years for the Lima City Schools. In the early days, his were the broad shoulders from which kids were happily launched into various bodies of water, and in later years, he was the horse grandchildren rode in their living rooms. When out of eyesight, Vic could be located by listening for his whistling in the tool aisle, or for the jingle of what seemed to be 87 keys hanging from his belt-loop. The mystery of everything that could be unlocked with all those keys lives on with his passing.

What has never been a mystery, however, is the unconditional love Vic had for his family. His adoration of Kathy, his soulmate of nearly 52 years, was plain to see for friends and strangers alike. His "whole world" – he needed nothing more.

The soundtrack of Vic's familiar corny jokes and colorful phrases now play in the minds of his loved ones, bringing a smile to those who will miss him forever.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023, and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Rev. Todd Cosart will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or Donor's Choice.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.