John Bothwell Hadley

John B. Hadley, "Jack", died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of November 22, 2017, one week before his 95th birthday. Having been on a feeding tube since early August, and therefore unable to eat real food for his last 3 1/2 months on Earth, on this day before Thanksgiving, God called Jack home to enjoy his eternal Thanksgiving feast.

Jack was born in Toledo, Ohio on November 29, 1922, to Robert Welch Hadley, Sr., and Florence Marie Bothwell Hadley. Jack attended the Ottawa Hills school system and DeVilbiss High School. He then graduated from the University of Michigan after an accelerated program (due to World War II) in 3 years, including summers, as a Mechanical Engineer. While at Michigan he belonged to the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

Following his graduation from U of M, Jack served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant (JG) Ammunitions Officer on the USS Fomalhaut in the Pacific theater. Upon completion of his military service in October of 1946, Jack returned to Toledo where he worked for Owens-Corning Glass Fibers until being asked by his father-in-law, Irving C. Reynolds, to become the Vice President of the Franklin Ice Cream Company and the Reynolds Building Company. When the company was sold in 1966 for the property to ultimately be developed into the Franklin Park Mall, Jack went to work at Welles Bowen as a commercial real estate agent. He was later asked to come work at Toledo Trust as a trust officer, and over the years moved to VP trust positions at other banks (Lucas County Bank, when owned by Huntington, then finally being asked by Ashel Bryant to start the Toledo-area trust department for Mid-Am Bank before retiring).

Jack is survived by the love of his life of 66 years, Ruth Reynolds Hadley, and his children, John Reynolds Hadley (Susan) of Sylvania, OH, and Judith Marie Hadley (Geoffrey J. Cowling) of Philadelphia, PA; his 6 grandchildren, Erika Hadley (Adam Chambers), George Hadley (Emily), Robert Hadley (Janée), Stefanie Hadley, Fred Hadley and Mark Hadley; 2 great-grandchildren, Kathryn and Caroline, both daughters of Erika and Adam; plus 3 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren through Judith's marriage to Geoffrey. Jack was preceded in death by his brothers, William I. Hadley and Robert W. Hadley, Jr.

Jack and Ruth lived a full life, traveling all over the world including numerous cruises and visiting four continents, with their children John and Judith accompanying them on some of the trips. To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001, Jack and Ruth chartered a special conversion bus for a long weekend trip for the family and grandchildren to travel to Niagara Falls, staying overnight on the Canadian side overlooking the Falls before going to the CN Tower and a performance of The Lion King in Toronto. September 28, 2011, was truly a day to remember and cherish, as Jack and 80+ other veterans were flown to Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight to visit the National World War II Memorial. Each veteran is escorted by a volunteer guardian, and Jack's son, John, was honored to serve as his father's wheelchair pusher. While at Kingston Assisted Living in Sylvania, OH with Ruth in July of 2017, Jack was interviewed by Andrew Fisher and videographer George Pugh for the Veterans History Project, when he was given the chance to make a video documentary of his military service as a lasting memorial for his family. Sincere thanks to these men who have carefully documented and archived the stories of hundreds of local veterans in a project that is nationwide, in an effort to preserve for future generations the memories and experiences of the greatest generation.

When Jack's health began to decline, the lives of Jack and Ruth were enriched by the careful ministrations of an earthly angel named Samantha, their highly trained personal care giver.

A celebration of Jack's life will be held at a later date. To Jack - you were a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and we love you and will miss your physical presence even as we know you are always with us.

The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to Ashland Church Permanent Trust Fund (2350 Starr Ave., Oregon, OH), the Toledo Zoo Silverback Society, the Toledo Museum of Art, or another charity of the donor's choice . The family is also especially grateful to the entire amazing staff of Kingston Assisted Living for their loving care and comfort. We also very much appreciate the support of Reeb Funeral Home.