Donald Lee Hadley

Donald Lee Hadley went to be with his Lord on May 26, 2026. He will be greatly missed by his four children, Bonnie Hadley, Don Hadley, Laura Fagg (Gary Fagg), and Jody Romig (John Romig). He was adored and will be missed by his nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren whom lovingly referred to him as Poppy or Poppy Great. Don was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Judy, his sister, Norma Jean Wittelle, and a great granddaughter, Lillian Elaine Rugenstein.

Don was born in Tangier, Indiana to Reatha (DeBaun) Hadley on November 8, 1937. As a young boy, he lived in Tangier, Indiana with his grandparents whom he lovingly referred to as “mommy and daddy” until their deaths when he was seven years old. He then lived with his single mom in Terre Haute, but always looked forward to returning to “the farm” in Tangier during the summer months to play with his cousins. While in Terre Haute, he attended school at Davis Park Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High and then Wiley High School.

Upon graduating from high school, Don attended Indiana Teachers College for a degree in business at the urging of his mom and step-father. Don had no interest in business, however, and often had an art book slipped inside the business textbook. He eventually pursued and received an art degree while also pursuing the love of his life, Judy. They eventually married in 1960 and Don accepted a teaching position at a high school in Michigan. The following year, they returned to Terre Haute for a teaching position at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School where he spent the next 37 years teaching drawing and painting to the students there. Additionally, he took many part-time jobs to supplement his modest income. He worked at Stran Steel, the Tribune Star and Schultz shoe department at various times over the years.

While a teacher by day, Don would spend any available time pursuing his own career in art. He was well known for his realistic paintings and won numerous awards at exhibitions across the state. Most notable was the Hoosier Salon and the Indiana Artists Exhibit in Indianapolis, Indiana. His paintings have hung in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capital Building, the Swope Art Gallery, and Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. Don is also known for his restoration of the murals by Gilbert Wilson that can be seen when entering the main doors of Woodrow Wilson Middle School. He was later commissioned to paint murals for the vestibule at Woodrow Wilson.

Don was involved in creating and completing many sets for school plays as well as church events at First Assembly of God, First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, and Ellettsville Christian Church.

In addition to his love for God, Don had a heart for those in need as well as a deep love of animals. Don also stressed the importance of family and he, along with his wife, Judy, raised four children who have a deep love and commitment to one another.

Don’s family invites those who knew him to a memorial service celebrating his life on Saturday, June 27th at 5:00 with visitation beginning at 3:00. The service will be held at Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home at 605 South 25th Street in Terre Haute, Indiana. If you would like to make a contribution to the local Humane Society or to Southern Care Hospice in lieu of flowers these were organizations that he supported because of his love for animals and his love for the staff that helped care for him.