Charles McIntyre Haden

Charles McIntyre Haden departed from this world on the 14th of November 2012, after being called home by his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of service and faith. Born on the 6th of August 1923, in Timpson, Texas, he was a true Texas gentleman with a deep, booming voice and quick wit. Shortly after his marriage to his beloved Suzanne Haden (nee Tracy) on the 20th of December 1944, he was deployed to the Pacific to serve in World War II as a Lieutenant (junior grade) U.S. Navy aboard the USS Schroeder and USS Bryant, Fletcher-Class Destroyers. Upon his return, he received his B.A. from Rice University (where he played Varsity Iron-Man football under Coach Jess Neely) and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law (1949). He went on to build an outstanding legal career that spanned decades and alongside Suzanne, raised three children whom he loved deeply. He will be remembered as a man of law, as a steward of his family, a great and loyal friend, and most importantly, as a servant of The Lord Jesus Christ.

As a man of law, Charles “Tiger” (as honorably knick-named by his various opposing counsel) Haden was known for his elocution, piercing cross-examinations, and stirring oratory that captivated many a courtroom and jury. He always adhered to the highest standards of ethics and his legal prowess was legendary in the State of Texas. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney rising quickly to command the capital docket (1950-52). Thereafter, he joined Fulbright & Jaworski where he became partner (1952-1970). He left Fulbright & Jaworski to establish the law firm of Brown & Haden (1970-94) and practiced law with his grandson, Brian Haden Gabbert, and his granddaughter-in-law, Allison Gabbert at Haden & Gabbert, PC. During his long and illustrious legal career, He held many positions, including: President of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association (1974), Board Member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association (1970-85), Board Member of the State Bar of Texas (1974-76), and Vice President of the National Association R.R. Counsel (1963-70). He was a longtime member of the American Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar of Trial Advocacy, and the Texas Bar Foundation. His legal career also emboldened his civic service where he donated his time and served as Municipal Judge of Hunters Creek Village (1954-56), Mayor of Hunters Creek Village (1952-54), Chairman of the Harris County Republican Party (as successor to George Herbert Walker Bush) and Delegate to the Republican National Convention (1964). Of additional note, he served as Legal Counsel for the Board of Adjustment (Hunter’s Creek), wrote the City of Hunter’s Creek zoning laws and successfully defended them pro bono in a six weeks long trial.

Of his many endeavors in life, including being an accomplished instrument and multi-engine rated pilot, he should best be remembered as a servant of his strongly held faith in his Savior Jesus Christ. Alongside his war-time bride, Suzanne, his deep and abiding love for Christ was evident throughout his life. He and Suzanne both built a strong foundation within their family to love, cherish, and serve the Lord. He was a long-time member and elder of First Presbyterian Church and then founding elder-member of Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Houston. He also served as Moderator of the Central South Presbytery (1997). He was proud of the fact his children were fifth generation members and grandchildren sixth generation members of First Presbyterian Church. As a ruling elder, his passion was teaching others from the Word of God. His steadfast faith is perhaps best described in Philippians 3:12-14; 20-21: “I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me…. but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things that are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the workings by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Though family and friends mourn his loss, we know that not even the physical challenges he faced in the last few winters of his life could separate him from his rightful place in Eternity beside Christ and for that we rejoice.

In death, he follows the love of his life, Suzanne Tracy Haden, grandson Hamilton Whitty Haden, his parents Charles Clinton Haden and Cecil Urva (McIntyre) Haden, and his son-in-law, Gordon A. Gabbert. He leaves behind his daughter, Sharon Haden Gabbert; son, Charles McIntyre Haden, Jr. and wife, Shelley; daughter, Susan Haden Ince and husband Joe; his grandchildren Christopher Tracy Gabbert; Brian Haden Gabbert and wife, Amber; Susannah Ince Baker and husband, Jason; Sarah Haden Granmayeh; Taylor Haden Ince and wife, Robin of Edinburgh, Scotland; Hannah Haden Kayem and husband, Chris; and Nathanael McIntyre Ince. Charlie is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren.

A home going celebration for Charles will be held by family and friends at one o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 27th of November, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston, where the Rev. Andrew Stepp, Pastor of Missions and Evangelism, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the fellowship hall.

At a later date, the family is to gather for a private interment service at Old Waverly Cemetery in New Waverly, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Charles may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.