Austin Harden

Austin Harden, 95, of Phenix City, AL, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Columbus Hospice House in Columbus, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Summerville Baptist Church with Rev. Rob Goodman officiating, according to Vance Memorial Chapel.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.  The grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be the step-grandsons.

Mr. Harden was born November 25, 1920 in Pike County, AL, son of the late Tom Harden and Mavis Adams Harden.  He retired, at the age of 82, as Vice President from The Concrete Company.  He served his country in the United States Navy, sailing on the USS West Virginia and the USS Wilkes Barre, during WWII.  Mr. Harden was also a member of Summerville Baptist Church. 

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby McWaters Harden; a daughter, Sharon Harden Naylor; one sister, Hazel Harden Williams; and two brothers, William “Bill” Harden and T. J. Harden.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Kirkland Harden; two daughters Faye Harden Hatcher and Doris Harden Turner and husband Archie, both Phenix City, AL; one son, James Shelton Harden and wife Victoria of Camden, AR; three step-children, Danny Kirkland and wife Terra and Barbara Kirkland Greene both of Phenix City, AL and Kathy Kirkland Gordy and husband Jeff of Salem, AL; four sisters, Mildred Harden Kirkland, Shirley Harden Jenkins and Verlin Harden Beavers and husband Bobby, all of Phenix City, AL and Linda Harden Caldwell and husband Kenny of Warner Robins, GA; one brother, Milton Harden and wife Darlene of Pace, FL; grandchildren, Flint Sharpe, Kevin Sharpe, Keeli Sharpe Floyd, Miki Huckaby, Derek Brown, Jamie Cook, Jason Naylor, Justin Naylor, Shann Thomas; step-grandchildren, Nancy K. Burgess, Daniel Kirkland, Hayle Greene Adams, Aaron Greene, Garrett Gordy, Gentry Gordy and Hunter Farish; 34 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild and many other loving family members and friends.

 Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Summerville Baptist Church, 3500 Summerville Rd, Phenix City, AL 36867.

Online condolences may be left at www.vancememorialchapel.net.