Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charlton Benjamin Hadden, known to most as Ben, who left us far too soon on February 6, 2025, at 60 years young. He was born to Charlton Wells Hadden and Fredda Louise Black who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cynthia Dempsey Hadden, daughter Blakeney Hadden Hartka (Thomas), granddaughter Lydia Lorraine Hartka, grandson Aidan Wells Hartka, daughter Chandler Louise Hadden (fiancé Chris), daughter Ashton Elizabeth Hadden, sister Martha Hadden Pennington (Keith), niece Kaitlin Louise Redditt (Damien), nephew Jake Allen Pennington, as well as many cousins, loved ones, and friends.

Ben’s legacy is one of love and compassion. He was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew him and his infectious personality lit up every room he entered. Ben’s boundless generosity and unwavering kindness touched the lives of countless individuals. He was always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear. His time with us was short, but the impact he made will last a lifetime.

Born and raised in Midland, Texas on January 6, 1965, Ben was a proud native Texan. He was a son of the American Revolution and a direct descendant of Sir Francis Drake, a lineage that he carried with pride. Ben attended Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Virginia, where he made lifelong friends and developed a love for the state.

Ben was accepted into several Virginia Colleges, but his father made it clear that his tuition would go to The University. It was there at the University of Texas where he became a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity where he served as President, House Manager, and of course as Social Chair. Most importantly, it was there he met his Pi Beta Phi Angel on earth, Cynthia.

He moved to Houston after graduation to begin his career. On the weekends, he would drive 165 miles back to Austin to spend every available moment with Cynthia but still made it back for work on Monday. His weekend courting was not in vain. They were engaged within the year, and 6 months later, they were married on June 23, 1990.

That same year, Ben began his career in natural gas trading and marketing. His enthusiasm and quick learning provided him with the opportunity to move his family to London and help establish a local office for his firm. Ben spent two years in London with his wife and two young daughters, using that time to see all that Europe had to offer. Once back in the States, Ben continued to advance his career and became an expert in the origination of structured contracts. He considered his many colleagues and customers more than just business associates, but friends as well.

Not only was Ben a wonderful husband, he was a proud father of three girls who he cared for deeply. Blakeney and Chandler came in quick succession and the family continued to grow seven years later with Ashton. He provided love, understanding, and guidance through his morning coffee talks, treasured life lessons, and big hugs. When things got hard, you could always count on him for a good story or joke, a handwritten note, or a goofy dance to break the tension or ease the pain.

Ben and Cynthia spent the last five years exploring countless destinations, restaurants, and of course… golf courses. Amidst their travels, they prioritized attending concerts and shows. Ben had a love for music that transcended genres and ranged decades, allowing him to uniquely connect with each of his girls through music. Ben had many passions including golf, tennis, swimming, and skiing. He enjoyed golf the most and was always looking for (or creating) a good reason to play a round or two. In reality, his hobbies were reasons to enjoy time with friends and family.

Ben was heavily involved in several charities, dedicating his time and energy to making a positive impact. He advocated for causes close to his heart, and his contributions will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to work alongside him.

Above all, Ben’s greatest love was his girls. Cynthia was his best friend and his one true love. Together they created a life filled with joy and laughter. Blakeney, Chandler, and Ashton were his proudest accomplishments, and he saw himself in each of them in more ways than he could count.

Ben will be remembered as a man who lived life to the fullest, embraced each moment, and made a friend everywhere he went. He was a dedicated son, dependable brother, devoted husband, doting father, proud grandfather and a loyal friend. He was kind, sensitive, and a true giver. He was an enthusiastic host and the life of every gathering. He will be missed beyond words, but he leaves behind his family and a wide circle of friends who will forever cherish the time they had with him.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm immediately followed by the funeral service at Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23234. A Celebration of Life will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Meadowbrook Country Club, 3700 Cogbill Rd, Richmond, VA 23234.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Richmond Friends of the Homeless (richmondfriendsofthehomeless.org/donate), a cause near and dear to Ben.