James Loren Haden, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Maranatha Village after a brief illness. Loren was born December 7, 1934, in Smallett, Missouri to Dee and Thelma (Osburn) Haden. He graduated in 1953 from Ava High School and two years later married his high school sweetheart Delveta Day. They both stayed active in class alumni activities for many decades to come. Loren and Delveta were wed March 12, 1955 in Ava, Missouri. They spent their first few years of marriage in Kennewick, Washington, then moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1962 where they raised their 5 children. He started his career as an insurance salesman, and later worked as a sales representative for Boyd Aluminum from 1965 until retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and watching his St. Louis Cardinals. He also had the gift of song and loved singing bass, whether with his siblings, in the church quartet and choir, or with his children and grandchildren at family gatherings. He surely was the inspiration for the love of music shared by so many of his offspring. Loren served as a deacon in the church for many decades. He will forever be remembered as a strong Christian man with a kind spirit and a servant’s heart. Much of the time you could find him visiting people in the hospital or sharing with those in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his bride Delveta (Day) Haden, his siblings Kathryn (Haden) Hamilton, Walter “Darrell” Haden,  Venita (Haden) Day, brother-in-law Leo Day,  his son Keith Haden and his grandson  Jimmy Haden.

He is survived by his children, Kirk & Susan Haden of Aurora, Missouri, Kamela Gibbs of Battlefield, Missouri, Kelly Haden of Springfield Missouri, Katrice and Brent Switzer of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter-in-law, Brenda Haden of Rogersville, Missouri; his sisters-in-law Betty Haden and Iris Ann and Chester Jenkins; 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation for Loren will be 5:00 ~ 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 15, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with funeral services following at 6:00 p.m.  Burial will be at Ava Cemetery 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2022.