Cleo Hadden, 97, of Ludowici, Ga. passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025 under the care of Georgia Hospice Care. The Candler native had lived most of his life in Long County and was a retired employee with McKenzie Trucking Company. He attended Parkway Church of God and was known for his sweet helping spirit and a smile on his face when greeting anyone. His enjoyment was playing several instruments for his church and in his early life playing with a band. He was an U.S. Army veteran serving in The Korean Conflict earning a Korean Service Metal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, a combat infantry badge, United Nations Service Medal, and  Army of Occupation Metal (Japan).  His son, Timothy Hadden preceded him in death along with his parents, Edd D. Hadden and Mamie Stela Hadden; siblings, Janie Riggs, Willie Edna Hadden, Etha Hadden, Laura Bell Hadden, Lester James Hadden and Evie Clyde (Hadden) Martin.

Survivors are his wife of 70 years, Erma Hughes Hadden of Ludowici; a son, Glenn (Cynthia) Hadden of Ludowici; a daughter, Susan (Mark) Connor of Augusta, Ga.; a grandson and care giver, Jacob Hadden of Ludowici; granddaughters, Cassandra C. Langston of Japan and Victoria Simmons of Ludowici; 2 great granddaughters, Aryanna and Ophelia; special niece, Janean Coe; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great, great grandniece and grandnephew, and a great, great, great grandniece.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Angie McLaughlin and Pastor Thomas Maddux officiating. Interment will follow in Middleton Memorial Cemetery in Ludowici with Military Honors. Active pallbearers will be his family, Jacob Hadden, Benjamin and Stephen McLaughlin, Steve Moreno, Trent Simmons and Matthew Gibson.

Family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to services at the chapel.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Georgia Hospice Care for their exceptional service and care.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.