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Larry Harden Obituary
Larry Charles Harden, age 76, of Erie, transitioned from labor to reward on June 21, 2016.
He was born in Laurel, Miss., on August 13, 1939, a son of the late William and Mary (Curry) Harden.
He was a 1958 graduate of Strong Vincent High School and served his country in the United States Army Reserve.
He worked as a production manager in the tool and die industry and worked for Swanson for 42 years and then for Isaac Baker Menswear for six years, until finally retiring in 2015.
He was a singer, singing in the group Classmates in the 1960s. He played tennis, and was a star basketball player on a traveling team. He played on the first All Black basketball team from Erie at Gridley Jr. High and worked on the Big Brother Program. He also enjoyed yard work.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, George, William Jr. (Bill), Robert, Henry, and Curtis Harden, and four sisters, Willie Mae Giles, Ruth McMillan, Lillie Mae Harden and Gwendolyn Foster.
He is survived by his spouse, Ruth Barnes Harden, two sisters, Olive Ray Crumbly (James D., Sr.) and Betty Reed (Bruce D.), and a brother, Richard Harden (Irell).
Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 602 W. 10th Street (at Cherry St.), today, Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and are invited to a service at Saint John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St., on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Cherry Street Church of God, 302 Cherry Street, Erie, PA 16507.
Burial will be in Erie Cemetery.
Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Harden
Bruce Reed
September 23, 2022
Missing my uncle.
Daria Marnella
June 17, 2021
Remembering Larry with fondness.
Ruth & Larry were so wonderful.
anthony ZONNA
November 25, 2016
RUTH, VERY SORRUY TO HERE OF LARRY'S PASIING. WE GO BACK A LONG TIME BOTH AT STRONG VINCENT AND THE MILITARY...HE
ALWAYS WAS A GREAT FRIEND.
COL AJ ZONNA
Jim Kiehl
July 5, 2016
Dear Ruth, I am truly sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I worked with Larry when he started at Swanson-Erie in the mid sixties. He was a smart, hard worker and a pleasure to work with. Although I hadn't seen Larry in a long time, I still remember him as a good friend and a good person. I know he will be missed by all.
Sam Veneziano
July 1, 2016
Larry was a silent mentor to me while working during my college years at Swanson. He was always the voice of reason and I know influenced who I am today. We were bowling and tennis buddies, but I remember him most for lighting up the room! We ate at Barnie's restaurant often and I always enjoyed listening to him, he was best at making people laugh at the lunch table. Thanks for making my world and our world a better place. May God Bless.
Jerry Fetzner
June 27, 2016
Of all the neighborhoods we grew up in, our fondest memories are of West 11th Street. No, it wasn't because of Chestnut Pool or its close proximity to the downtown. It definitely was because of the neighbors and how well we got along.
Your family's name warms our hearts. No, we didn't always get along but our differences brought us closer.
Larry is now with Curtis, H.J. and our brother, Dave and sister, Mary Ann; and they all are probably feeling bad for us because we're still fighting the good fight and they have already joined the winning side.
Love you guys (& girls),
Jerry, Bev and Johnny Fetzner
LaVerne Pryor
June 26, 2016
Sympathy and prayers for comfort and strength to the Harden family.
Trenecia Davis
June 26, 2016
I will NEVER forget the short, but colossal impact Uncle Larry had on me as I re-dedicated my life to Christ. He didn't know it, but he was a part of my journey as I began my walk with Christ again. Being in church, every Sunday as we sang "Enter In" and him taking the ad libs at the end was a highlight of my Sunday Praise and worship. I always looked forward to going back home and going back to church to hear it, and it saddens me that now all I will have are my memories, but I am overjoyed because I know the Lord has said "well done" and he is now sitting with God. God bless you and RIP Uncle Larry, and I pray for comfort for Aunt Ruth.
June 25, 2016
Ruth and Family: You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Jack & Millie Hines, Parrish, Fl.
Michael and Gloria Handley
June 25, 2016
To my dearest uncle: my heart was so heavy with great sadness when I heard of your passing. It gave me great comfort just knowing that you were here on this earth just being you. A man who was always ready to step in and help in time of need, as you did for me, my children, and so many others.
I will always remember your smile, and I can still hear you singing.
I know you were welcomed with the saints who have gone on before, and I will see you again one day.
Aunt Ruthie: may God send you comfort in your time of loss. We send you our love and prayers.
From Michael: I was so sad to hear of Larry's passing. He was a genuine, caring man who made a difference in the lives of many people, including mine.
Michael and Gloria (Harden) Handley, Noel, Chris, Portia, Nathan, Rachel, and Karissa
Lorraine Purdue and the Purdue Family.
June 25, 2016
Whether you knew Larry for a long time or a short time...he left a positive and lasting impression on you. I am glad to have known him a long time. His spirit was always gentle..his friendliness was always bountiful and open to all. We will miss him down here and praise God for the time we had with him. Hugs and love to the family.
Charles Ames
June 25, 2016
My sympathies to the Harden family on the passing of Larry. I had the pleasure of working with Larry for many years while we were at Swanson-Erie. He will be missed by all who knew him.
E Douglas Bohannon and family
June 25, 2016
I quickly observed three things about Uncle Larry when I married into the family 37 years ago; his generous spirit, his genuine love for family and his undying love for aunt Ruth. He was an example for us all. My household will honor his legacy and his presence will remain in our hearts always until we see him again.
barb deickhoff
June 24, 2016
to the harden family with deepest sympthany of the passing of larry he knew my one daughter from big brothers/big sisters didnt really know him but knew h.j and bobby may he r.i.p
Larry Charles Harden * Strong Vincent High School Class of 1958 * Rest in Peace
Darryl Makepeace
June 24, 2016
Darryl Makepeace
June 24, 2016
Darryl Makepeace
June 24, 2016
Darryl Makepeace
June 24, 2016
Darryl Makepeace
June 24, 2016
Condolences to the extended Harden families.
So many dimensions to this remarkable man. I was fortunate enough to experience three of them: as a classmate, as a friend, and as a pal.
Larry will be deeply missed at the annual Vincent '58 reunions, and I'll miss the phone conversations between events. The world is a smaller place with this great loss.
Via con Dios, my friend * Fly with the Angels
Darryl Makepeace
Phil & Daria Marnella
June 24, 2016
Ruth, We are so saddened to learn of Larry's passing. He was always so very kind. You are in our prayers.
Daisy Coleman
June 24, 2016
To Ruth and the Harden family, praying for you. Now I know what it's like to loose Sibling. Larry was a blessing to the Erie community. God gifted him with the ability to sing, and how he enjoyed singing. I can hear you all singing now " Praise is what I do". I know you all will accept the comfort of each other, friends and the Holy Spirit.
Bob Rothrock
June 24, 2016
Condolences to all of Larry's family and loved ones. A compassionate and caring gentleman, Larry left a lasting impression on all who came in contact with him. It was a joy to be around him and all of the Harden family.
Stephen Durant
June 24, 2016
Brother Larry was truly a God Send and has surely heard the Father say "Well Done". Blessings of comfort and peace to Sister Ruth and the entire Harden family.
Kenneth Sedler
June 24, 2016
Ruth, I was a long time friend of Larry from the 4th ward were we all grew up as young men , Larry was a real gentleman for sure and will be missed for by all. I always enjoyed seeing Larry when I did and again it was a joy of knowing him . God bless the Harding family . Strong Vincent alumina
Ruth Ann
June 24, 2016
In life, Larry was beloved by everyone who knew him. Now, he also knows how much. God bless you, Ruth, and Rick, and everyone who grieves his passing. I join you. We thank the Lord for Larry.
ELSIE PAGE
June 24, 2016
Thanks to this man and his entire family for helping me find Jesus early in my life. I will forever be grateful. I can hear Larry singing praises to our Lord even now. My God give you all Peace and Love in his name. Amen
June 24, 2016
To the family of Bro. Larry Harden
Larry was a blessing to me & so many others with his giftedness in singing and praising the name of the Lord. I knew Larry most of my life through my mom and for myself. I'm truly going to miss him and his loving spirit.
Family take comfort in knowing he was a true servant of the most high God and is being well taken care of at the feet of the Master. Love & Symathy, Irma "Bunnie" James Miller
June 24, 2016
Ric, We are so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Prayers being said for all of you.
Alex, Chris and Mike Harrity
SHARON HENDERSON
June 24, 2016
TO THE HARDEN FAMILY...I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF MR. HARDENS PASSING...I DIDNT KNOW HIM VERY WELL BUT HAVE SEEN HIM AROUND ERIE FOR YEARS AND SPOKE TO HIM AND HIS WIFE SEVERAL TIMES...ALWAYS SMILING ALWAYS PLEASANT ..JUST A NICE MAN..MAY GOD GIVE YOU COMFORT AND PEACE DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.."THINK OF JUST CROSSING A RIVER, STEPPING OUT SAFE ON THAT SHORE, SADNESS AND SUFFERING OVER, DWELLING WITH CHRIST EVERMORE!! RIH
Shirley Barnes
June 24, 2016
I will miss you cousin, great memories, great music. See you singing in heaven, love Shirley Ann
Lydia Coleman-Hooks
June 24, 2016
My deepest sympathies to Ms. Ruth and the Harden family. Larry will truly be missed by all, I pray God's continuous blessings over you, and Thank our Lord and Savior for giving you comfort.
Jim Stevens
June 24, 2016
Deepest sympathy to the Harden family. My memories go back to Gridley Junior High School. We crossed paths several times while he was performing. Larry was just a good guy and proud knowing him as a friend from our childhood and neighborhood .
Nina Jordan
June 24, 2016
To the family of the late Larry Harden
He was a blessing to so many and gifted in singing and praising the name of Jesus.
May the entire family find comfort in knowing to live in Christ and to die is gain. Rest on Brother Larry
Servant Well Done.
Karen Harrison
June 24, 2016
Uncle Larry,
I was surprised to hear of your illness and even more surprised and saddened to hear of your passing. You are a child of the Church of God, so you know that your soul lives on and is now with our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. You will no longer feel the pain, misery, or sorrow in that special place where children of god remain until that day of resurrection. I know that you are smiling because you see Granddaddy, Grandmama, Daddy and all the other family members that have already crossed-over.
To Aunt Ruthie,
May God Almighty keep you in this time of sorrow and lighten your burdens. Take care.
From your niece Karen and her children.
Marty Tate
June 24, 2016
Ruth, Larry and Larry's entire family. My deepest condolances on Larrypassing. I had the privledge of knowing Larry for many years. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.
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