James Daniel Hadley

James Daniel “Dan” Hadley of Davisville, Missouri was born on Tuesday, September 19, 1950, in Pekin, Illinois to James Freeman Hadley and Velma Louise Vermillion Hadley. He passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021, in Crawford County at the age of 71 years, 2 months, and 10 days.

Dan grew up in Illinois and graduated from Pekin High School in 1969.  He attended one year at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois where he was on the Dean’s List and played collegiate football.  He married Julia May Copeland on May 5, 1984 and to this union one daughter was born.

He moved to Crawford County and lived in Davisville for 45 plus years.  He was known by many as Huzzah River Man or Mountain Man Dan. He always carried a river walking stick and sported a big beard. He loved collecting rocks, hunting mushrooms, riding his Harley with his dog when his health allowed, playing his guitar, and swimming in the river.  He enjoyed driving the backroads and looking for new swimming holes.  Also, he was an avid reader with a photographic memory.  They say even as a child Dan read big books by the time he was five years old.  He also was known for being a meditator, practicing advanced shamanism. He was an eccentric character according to his daughter, one of a kind.  He will be missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Velma Hadley and father-in-law William Copeland.

He is survived by his daughter Wyndra Hadley of Portland, Oregon; brothers David (Beth) Hadley of Dixon, Missouri, Doug (Sharon) Hadley of Birmingham, Alabama, Dean Hadley of Moody, Alabama, and Darell (Rhonda) Hadley of Palm Bay, FL; sister Amy Hadley of Manito, Illinois; and mother-in-law Norma Prater of Davisville, MO; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family has chosen cremation as his final disposition.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

All arrangements are under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri.

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