David Benjamin Hadley Jr

David Benjamin Hadley Jr. passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Westerwood Rehabilitation where he died of breathing trouble complicated by covid. He was born June 14, 1939, on Ann Street, Columbus, Ohio, to David and Helen Hadley who preceded him in death. David graduated from Harrod High School in the class of 1957 and remained active in the Harrod High School Alumni Association. While in high school he was the editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper called the "Breeze" He sang in the choir and was proficient at playing the trombone in the marching band. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ohio University and a Master of Arts Degree from the Ohio State University. David taught Math in both Logan City Schools and Worthington City Schools. In addition to teaching math at Worthingway Middle School, David also coached and organized the annual Gary Smith Track and Field Invitational. He was a Worthingway Cardinal for 30 years. After retiring from teaching, he became a Chartreux Cat breeder. He was a member of the Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc., Cleveland Persian Society, and the Columbus Cat Club, where he was secretary. David's Lecompagnon Cattery produced several Grand Champion Chartreux cats including Valentino and Sampson. He had other cats attain Championship status as well. A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, David was active at the Worthington location. He held the role of the Church Historian and was active in many church organizations, including the Outreach Committee, Stephen Ministries, and Interfaith Hospitality Network. He also sang in the choir and brought homemade baked goods for the congregation to enjoy during coffee hour. David was known for his baking skills. He was a perfectionist when baking cookies, cakes, and pies. One of his best known cookie recipes was from a relative and known as "Aunt Ora's Raisin Filled Cookies." He would hand out the recipe when serving these cookies at events. David used math and science applications to make the perfect pie crust for his "famous" cream pies. He also enjoyed fishing, taking trips to the Upper Peninsula to fish in addition to going to local fishing spots. David was a "big brother" to Bob Hadley, Karen (Hadley) Khan, Suzan (Hadley) and Jim George, Carmen, and Mark and Michelle Hadley. He was an inspiration to his brothers and sisters by being the first to tackle the financial obstacles toward attaining a secondary degree. With David's encouragement, all of his siblings graduated from higher education institutions. David had no children of his own but was "Uncle" to sixteen nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held at a later time. David will be laid to rest next to his parents in East Lawn Cemetery, Sugarcreek, Ohio. Memorial contributions are appreciated and may be made to the Worthington United Methodist Church.