LeRoy C. Hadley of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Wednesday morning, June 10, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 85 years.

LeRoy C. Hadley was born on October 27, 1923, in Blackwell to John and Anna (Merhoff) Hadley. He grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools graduating from Blackwell High School in 1941.

During World War II, he served in the United States Air Force from 1942 – 1945. He married Ruby Mae Rowell in Lakeland, Florida, on October 7, 1945.

Following the war, the couple returned to Blackwell, where they have resided ever since. LeRoy graduated from Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa before starting employment at the First National Bank in Blackwell. He later worked for many years as a metallurgical accountant for the Blackwell Zinc Company. In 1974, he accepted a position as Associate Administrator of the Blackwell General Hospital, working first with the Felician Sisters and then with the Sisters of St. Joseph.

After retiring from Blackwell General Hospital in 1986, he worked part-time in accounting at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Ponca City, where he also served on the Board of Trustees from 1992 - 1995.

He was very active in the Blackwell community. He was elected Commissioner of Finance for the city in 1984. He also served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross and was vice-president of the Camp Fire Board. He served on the Blackwell Industrial Authority from 1987 – 1990, both as a trustee and chairman.

LeRoy was an avid golfer and served as president of the Blackwell Country Club. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and pitch, with his friends. He was a member of the American Legion and the Blackwell Elk's Lodge. He also held membership in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruby Hadley of the home; two daughters, Becky Brown and husband Charlie of Wichita, Kansas, and Barbie Hamlin and husband Tom of Derby, Kansas; a sister, Evelyn Williams of Ponca City, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Kimberly Robinson and husband Danny of Montgomery, Alabama, Natalie Jayne and husband Nick of Derby, Kansas, Clarke Hamlin and fiancé Lisa Mays of Wichita, Kansas, and Lauren Brown of Wichita, Kansas; and two great grandchildren, Kyle Robinson of Montgomery, Alabama, and Hayley Nicole Jayne of Derby, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 13th in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Kristen Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Clarke Hamlin, Nick Jayne, Fred Williamson, Gary Hulse, Steve Fry and Bob Raffety. Serving as honorary casketbearers will be Dan McClung, Dr. Bob Morgan, Frank Dyer, Don Merhoff, Jim Dacus, Bob Williamson, Louis Gose and Clarence Staples.

A memorial has been established with the Blackwell Hospital Foundation in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.