Roll Call Tribute

Published in Odessa American on January 2, 2011

Lee Evans Hadden(1955-2010)
AODESSA One of Odessa's children, Lee Evans Hadden, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 55 on Wednesday, Dec 29, 2010, at The Hospice House in Odessa.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alma Jean Hadden in 1997; his sister, Barbara Jean Hadden in 2006; and his father, William A. Hadden Jr. in 2008.

Lee was born August 17, 1955, in Odessa, Texas, to Will and Jean Hadden. He graduated from Permian High School in 1973, where he participated in baseball and the band. After graduation, he attended Texas A&M University at College Station, Texas and graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, before following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps and endeavoring to obtain his law degree. Lee earned his law degree from Texas Tech University in 1980 and practiced law in Odessa for 30 years, many of those with his father, Will Hadden, at 414 N. Lee Ave. under the name Hadden & Hadden Attorneys at Law.

Lee was more than an attorney however, which was evidenced through the many organizations and community projects he was a part of. He was a charter member of the Ante Meridian Odessa Rotary Club in 1990, where he recently received the Jack Weich Fellow Award for dedicated service to the children of the Texas Lions Camp. He was a member of the Odessa Jaycees for close to 10 years where he served as president and various other board positions. While participating in the Jaycees, he was awarded the Billy Bartlett Key Man Award and served as legal council for the Texas Jaycess. Lee also became of member of the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang in 1992, serving to feed the hungry including an international trip to Odessa, Ukraine in providing food to orphanages. Lee was a little league, high school and collegiate baseball umpire for over 21 years and was a member of the TASO board for many of those years. There he served in capacity of various ranks, including president. He was also a junior high and high school football referee for approximately 24 years. Lee always jumped at the opportunity to help the community and has always considered it his "home."

His influence and unique perspective has touched the lives of so many people. He was not only a teacher and mentor to his own children, but to others. He had a way of showing his love through his deeds and had a keen ability of understanding others' needs. He was a man of great dedication, loyalty and honor. He was compassionate and sincere. He was a giver. May Lee's life serve as an example to others by showing selflessness, sacrifice and profound significance.

He is survived by his son, Benjamin Lee Hadden; his wife, Kristi McCormick Hadden of Odessa; his daughter, Tiffany Hadden Butts of Midland; son-in-law, Joe David Butts and two grandchildren, Dawson David Butts (9) and Britton Leigh Butts (6).

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Hospice House of Odessa and/or Harmony Home of Odessa.

Visitation with the family will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2011. at Mid-Cities Community Church with Daniel Stephens officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Garion Brunson, Tony Brown, Paul Weaver, Doug Hildebrand, Joe Albright, LaCour Clark, Mike Strickland and Randy Demming. Honorary pallbearers are Will Hadden III, Benjamin Hadden, Tommy Hadden and Gary Harmon.

There will also be a memorial service at the Ector County Courthouse at a date yet to be determined.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. To sign the guest book, go to our website at www.sunsetodessa.com.