Henry "Jack" Darden (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Henry “Jack” Darden, son of Chester Arthur and Gladys Onemia Krantz Darden, was born March 10, 1933, in Cardwell, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at his home in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, ten months, and two days.
On August 17, 1974, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Virginia Suttmeier, and they have shared nearly forty years together.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma Darden; two brothers, Robert Darden and Charles Darden; one sister, Georgia Dalney; a step-daughter, Deborah Mesloh; and a grandson, Joshua Nilsson.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, of the home; three daughters, Edna Alder of Lebanon, Missouri, Roberta Purdome and her husband, Gary, of Columbia, Missouri, and Gladys Elaine Beckett and her husband, Allen, of the State of California; five grandchildren, Sherry Williams and her husband, James, Jessie Ray Darden and his wife, Kathy, Caleb Heether, Dean Buckel and his wife, Sarah, and Molica Beckett; six great-grandchildren, Emily, Valerie, Ava, Emory, Bradley, and Tyler; several nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Cardwell area. He moved to California and shortly thereafter, he entered the United States Army, and served his country faithfully until 1955. He then worked for a block company and in auto manufacturing before going to work for the California Department of Corrections until retiring. Later he moved to Lebanon, Missouri, where he was the owner/ broker for the Better Homes and Gardens -Darden Real Estate Agency. Jack also enjoyed farming and working with his animals in the Richland, Missouri area.
Jack was a member of the Masonic Lodge 469 in Plato, Missouri, as well as the American Legion, local Shrine and Elks Lodge. In his free time he liked to hunt and go fishing at the lake, and enjoyed traveling. He was a very caring person and especially loved his family.
Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them throughout the years.
Memorial donations to Shriners Hospital, Mercy Hospice or the donor's choice, may be made through the funeral home.
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