Josh Milton Hadley

Joshua Milton Hadley Ill peacefully passed away on May 10, 2026, just four days after his 75th birthday. Josh was born on May 6, 1951 in Visalia to parents Milton and Marilyn (Nash) Hadley, joining his two sisters, Mary and Carol.

Josh attended Outside Creek School (K-8) and Exeter Union High School. In high school Josh excelled in football and baseball. He graduated in 1969 and in the fall attended college at Fresno State College .While there he majored in Social Studies and minored in Agriculture.After graduation he signed a two year contract to teach to teach in Australia.It was an experience he cherished, making longtime friendships with not only Australian students and parents but also with American teachers from other parts of the US who also came to teach.

When Josh returned from Australia in January of 1978, he reconnected with a friend he had worked with at Kmart before his trip to Australia. Her name was Debbie and in December of 1978 they were married and established a home in Visalia.

Josh began his California teaching career at Oros Middle School for 3 years and was then offered a position at Mt Whitney High School in Visalia. He taught there until his retirement in

2009. Josh became very active at Mt. Whitney. Besides teaching he also coached the JV Baseball team and then made his mark as Varsity Golf coach. While at Whitney Josh started the AVID program which prepares students for college eligibility and success. He loved working at Mt. Whitney and was totally committed to his students and fellow teachers.

Josh was a devoted and loving husband and father. He enjoyed life and was always willing to help others. He liked to keep busy working in his his orange orchards, playing golf, fishing and traveling.

Josh is survived by his wife Debbie, son Seth (Julie) Hadley of Coarsegold and two granddaughters, Aurora and Astrid. He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary (Joseph) Ferrara of Exeter, Carol (John) Lovejoy of Clovis, brothers-in-law Keith Thomsen and Craig (Janet) Thomsen of Fresno, along with six nephews and five nieces.

A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 420 Sequoia Dr. Exeter. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org

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