Stanley Raymond Hadsel, age 77

Stanley Raymond Hadsel was born September 16, 1945 to Olaf John Hadsel and Ethel (Carlson) Hadsel in San Francisco, CA. When he was seven years old the family moved to Healdsburg, CA where he grew up and graduated from Healdsburg High School in 1963. 

Ray was a rascal as a young teen. His mother ran the local donut shop and was well acquainted with the local law enforcement. When Ray graduated, his Mom and LEO strongly urged him to join the military. He chose the U.S. Navy and was trained as an Aviation Electronics Tech. He was assigned to the RVAH-13 Naval Air Squadron based in Sanford, FL. Debbie’s older brother, Jerry, was in this same squadron which is how she and Ray eventually met. 

His squadron was assigned to the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk and they were sent to patrol the shores of Vietnam. Ray was proud to be a Vietnam veteran and he delighted in sharing his memories of his adventures in the Navy.

After completing his tour of duty, Ray moved to Little Rock, AR where he married the love of his life. He worked at various jobs before beginning his career with the U.S. Post Office as a Letter Carrier. He retired after thirty- four years and began his retirement playing golf and trout fishing with all his Moose buddies. 

Ray was a long-time member of Moose Lodge #942, where he was so fortunate to make many, many wonderful friends. He was also a life-time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4548 in Jacksonville, AR. 

Ray is survived by his wife of 56 years, Debbie (Thompson) Hadsel; his son, Robert Hadsel, and his daughter, Julie Thompson (Bryan). He had three beautiful grandchildren… twin grandsons, Jack and Lukas Thompson and a granddaughter, Maggie Thompson. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Ethel Hadsel; his sisters, Vivian Dupertius and Barbara Barkley; and his brothers, Richard Hadsel and Don Hadsel. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Moose Lodge in Sherwood, Arkansas on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 6:30pm (casual dress). He will be buried with Military Honors at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CARTI or Mooseheart/Moosehaven.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com