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Tony Darden
1927 - 2020
Tony Darden
1927 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1927
DIED
2020
Tony Darden Obituary
Kenneth Anthony “Tony” Darden, 92, passed away at his home in Radford on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Wilson and Nina Graham Darden; daughter, Bette Bryant Darden; and sister-in-law, Shirley Darden.
Tony is survived by his wife of 72 years (poor Helen), Helen Bryant Day Darden; sons, Kem and Day (poor Helen); granddaughters, Katie Day (Derek) and Mary Lee (Nick); great grand kids, Wyatt and Bryant; big brother, Graham, Sr.; nephew, Graham, Jr. (Cheryll); and special cousin, Chink.
Tony was a bird in this world. He served his country in the Navy and Marines. He was a lifetime member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served as trustee on the vestry and was the “Pancake Supper King” for over 50 years. He was the merchant of the Bear Market and Sportsman for 30 years, served on the First & Merchants Bank Board, and was appointed to the Virginia Boxing Commission by Gov. Dalton. Tony was also a member of Va. May Lodge #38 A.F. & A.M. for over 70 years and was a Kazim Shriner. He finished his career working with his good hunting friend, George Harvey and then it was off to selling Tony’s Trinkets at the flea markets for 20 years. Many, many thanks to the members of Grace Church, the friends of the Darden family, for all their love, support and wonderful meals, and to the Medi-Home Hospice Team…what a wonderful crew of people. Thanks for taking such good care of Papa Tony.
The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, September 14, 2020 in West View Cemetery in Radford with The Rev. Dr. Kathy Kelly officiating. Members of VA. May Masonic Lodge #38 will conduct Masonic graveside services.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Grace Episcopal Church, 210 4th St., Radford, VA 24141.
The Darden family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.
ROY HARRIS
October 28, 2020
Kem and Day. We are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing and the lateness of this as we just found out. May God be with you both. Roy and Lori Harris
Andrew ( Andy ) Hitt
September 16, 2020
Kem and I were roommates in military school for a year and a half . We have been buddies for over 50 years . In that time I got to know Tony very well . Always fun to be around and always gave me sound advice. I looked at him like a second dad . I will miss Tony but he will always be in my memories. I remember sitting and talking with him at the lake while he cooked me the best deep fried homemade onion rings I’ve ever had !!
Tommie Martin
September 14, 2020
Mrs. Darden, Kem, and Day,
Sorry to hear of Mr. D's passing. He pulled some fast ones on me at The Sportsman and The Bear; you had to love a man who enjoyed making others laugh. He is a very special treasure and will be missed by so many people. He loved Radford and made it a great place to grow up. I know being reunited with Bette Bryant is so special for him; and you all will see him again! God bless you each now and always.
an old RHS friend,
Tommie
Kathy Bishop
September 14, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to your family on the passing of your Dad. Tony was loved by all who met him. We will always remember the great times we had at Claytor Lake with Tony and his family.
Love and prayers,
Freddie and Kathy Bishop, Norma Jean Bishop
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Becky Hendrix
September 14, 2020
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
Anne Williams
September 14, 2020
Tony Darden...To know him was to love him. A near perfect example of a man, father, husband , grandfather and Christian. He made me feel like a part of his family since the very first time I met him at his lake house. His passing will no doubt leave a giant hole in the hearts of those that love him, but I believe that the sun will shine a little brighter now that he is shining down on us. My heart goes out to all that are feeling the loss of Tony. My prayers go out to his family. May we all continue to benefit from the example of his life.
Sarah Hall
September 13, 2020
Well everyone who knew Tony knew what a practical joker he was. So in memory of him I liked to share one that he played on my mother Betty Hall in the days he had the Bear Market. Mother had purchased some stricked meat to cook in the green beans and upon returning home she opened the wrapped meat and out of the kitchen I heard a gasp and laughter with the comment “that Tony “ and running in to see what Tony had done there lay on the counter a real pigs tail! He was one of a kind with an incredible sense of humor. Many memories we shared as families going to the beach and growing up in Radford. Sending my love and condolences to you Helen, Kem , Day and family.
Vicki Epperly
September 13, 2020
PRAYING for GOD to WRAP his LOVING ARMS around you to COMFORT you @ this DIFFICULT time.
Roger Goad
September 13, 2020
Sorry for your loss prying for the family
Gene & Martha Duncan Miller
September 13, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Darden family. Have great memories of the lake and Myrtle Beach trips.
Brothers DeHart
September 13, 2020
Mr. Tony would always stop by Pendleton in the truck with his dog, back from some adventure I'm sure, or possibly giving someone a good laugh. He would drop off those "famous" pigskins he would cook, speak to Mocha, and make sure all was good. I will always appreciate that kind act....just a great man, and we are losing one of the paternal fabrics that made Radford great. God speed Tony, and my condolences to the family from the DeHart Brothers. Oh! Poppa Joe, Granny Louise, and Dave...hang on !
Renee Walker
September 13, 2020
Reading through all the wonderful memorials, it's so obvious what a wonderful man Papa Tony was to everyone that was lucky enough to have him in their lives. I've been one of those fortunate people to have had Tony & Helen in my life for most of my life. Helen was my 2nd grade teacher & my dad, Larry, was often by Tony's side or vice versa. There are no words to describe what they have meant to me & my family, the kindness that has been shown. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. Day, Kem & the rest of the family - you are in my thoughts & prayers. As many memories as we all have, you have so many more. Cherish them & hold them close.
Jeannie Grant
September 12, 2020
My Heart hurts for you Sweet Darden family !!!! I know how Loved he was by his Entire family and the City of Radford !! Loved the opportunity to have him as my patient and friend !!!! He always brought a smile to my face and never a dull moment !!! He is no longer suffering and I am sure he is Flying high in Heaven with Wheeler Dog !!!! I Love you Helen ,Day and Kem !!!! And the gals that helped care for him and Helen !!!
Roger & Linda Altizer
September 12, 2020
Tony and go way back in the Betty Stake House days best friends for ever. Kim ,Betty and Day where like my own my Steve and Becky were always to gather Linda and I are so sorry. And God be with all of the Family
Xa7/JeUgIVSE+4MrdaGMAFgXYjLFQPoFUOwDnFZ3SrE= CUNNINGHAM
September 12, 2020
To Kem and Day and to all the Darden family Tony was apiece of work and always full of life so sorry for your loss. Will always remember him from the Bear Market and Sportmans as well as the Sunday tennis with my Dad, Big H and Buddy. Rest in peace.
Mark McCraw
September 12, 2020
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He truly was one of a kind and an absolute pleasure to be around. My deepest sympathies to his wonderful family as you mourn the loss of this great man. I wish you all strength and healing.
Robert Graham
September 12, 2020
I knew Tony, his brother Graham, and mother Nina for a lot of years. Always called me by my name. He will be missed. He was a relative.
Charles Judy
September 12, 2020
What a character indeed!. It was a pleasure to know and an honor to help care for Tony over the years. I already miss the pork rinds and cheese straws! May our Lord grant you peace and comfort and may memories of happy, healthier times bring many smiles.
In Christ's Love,
Charles and Donna Judy and staff at FHC.
Pamela Cirelli
September 12, 2020
There isn’t enough space to share all the unforgettable family memories of growing up with the Darden family! Beautiful tribute to Mr. D’s life & family. Thank you for all the laughs, love, & friendship...never to be forgotten. Love & prayers to all of you!
No doubt you are happy to be reunited with Bette Bryant! I’m sure Mother is laughing & saying “Oh Tony, stop it”!
Rest In Peace.
Larry and Wanda Humphrey
September 12, 2020
Tony was a character for sure. We always loved seeing him and wondering what he would do next. He will be missed, but what wonderful memories we all have. Prayers for comfort for Helen, Kem and Day.
Cindy Horton
September 11, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Tony was the All American Man!! Lots of love Tony Macaroni !! Will be missed by many. Now at Peace. Cindy n Randy Horton
Rachael Quesenberry
September 11, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful, funny and kind man. I will cherish all our fun and good times. I’ll miss you bud. Sending love, thoughts and prayers to Freddie aka Miss Helen, Kem, Day and family. I enjoyed taking care of you. I’ll surely miss my buddy. Rip my friend.
Pam Conner
September 11, 2020
Thinking of you, Kem, and your family....and remembering a fun loving guy named Tony Darden.
Jeffrey Doto
September 11, 2020
What can you say ?? If you knew him, you know exactly what I`m referring to. `Cat-Bird` just scratches the surface. He will be missed. Now, God has to deal with the chicanery. Long live the Ton-eye !!
Beverly Sutton
September 11, 2020
What a character!! What yummy pancakes!! What beautiful teeth he could put in his mouth!! Kem, I know you are going to miss your dad and friend. My heart goes out to you and the whole family.
Dickie and Linda Simpson
September 11, 2020
Poor Helen indeed! (Lol) She Loved every minute of their life together. It was a Rollercoaster. Tony was a very good friend and has and will be Greatly Missed. Love and thoughts to the Family.
Bart Compton
September 11, 2020
Rest in peace Brother Darden.
Barbara Ford
September 11, 2020
Papa Tony always had a smile and joke. May his humor and laughter live in your hearts forever. Lots of prayers and love to the entire Darden family.
Jim Williamson
September 11, 2020
Wow, what a life Tony lived. I fondly remember many fishing trips to Smith Mt Lake and Upper State NY with Tony, Larry Walker, and Red Burris. He was always the life of the party. I often said Tony could replace Jay Leno on the Tonight Show because he was so funny. Rest in peace Tony
Kim & Debbie Shelor-Lytton/ Shelor-Hoover
September 10, 2020
Would like to express our deepest sympathy. We are praying for God to comfort your hearts during this emotional time. He was an exceptional man. A man of many talents. May he rest in peace. He lived a long and courageous life. Helen you were my second grade teacher at Kuhn Barnett. Thank you for being such a beautiful and giving person. Hugs and prayers go out to you and your family. Your memories will always be there to comfort you.
Hohn& Betty Johnson
September 10, 2020
It was such a pleasure and great fun to know Tony-a wonderful Lake neighbor! Much love to all the Family. John & Betty Johnson
Betty Dunnigan
September 10, 2020
My prayers are with the entire family on Tonys passing. He was always such a great friend to my entire family. He will be missed by everyone. Hugs to all
Betty Johnson
September 10, 2020
John
John & Angie Dosemagen
September 10, 2020
Our condolences and prayers to the Darden Family. Tony lived a wonderful life, may he rest in peace.
Nancy & Tony Miano
September 10, 2020
Helen, Kem, Day & Family, our sincere condolences to you. Tony will always be in our hearts. Never saw him without a smile. Such a positive, happy person. We will miss him. Neighbors for 48 yrs. friends forever. May God Bless You All.
Nancy & Tony Miano
Donald Leighton
September 10, 2020
I met Kem and thus Tony, about 60 years ago. Tony was many things: a funny man, a rascal, a scamp, but most importantly a good man. Tony had a sense of humor second to none. My thoughts are with Helen, Kem, Day, and family during this sad and difficult time. I agree "poor Helen" is correct!
Ken Alderman
September 10, 2020
Kim and Family; The Alderman’s want you to know we have you all in our prayers. Mr. Tony was one in a million and I will never forget the talks we had when I visited your house. All the great times at the HS and at the ballgames can never be replaced. People like Tony made Radford a great place to grow up in. God be with you all in this time!
Duane Farmer
September 10, 2020
The world will never be the same without Papa Tony. I can see him in Heaven with a Tony's Trinket booth already set up. Im sure St. Pete could use a nice phone booth or barbers chair. Thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family. They sure are gonna miss you.
Linda Guthrie
September 10, 2020
Kem am so very sorry for your loss am praying for u all
Jonny Butler
September 10, 2020
Our condolences to the Darden family. Tony was a wonderful guy and a true character. There was never a dull moment around him, and he never met a stranger. There is a little less light in the world with his passing. RIP, my friend.
Bill Cunningham
September 10, 2020
So sorry for your loss, Tony was a dear friend of Dad and I know they are together sharing a laugh or two. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
David Phillippi
September 10, 2020
Old 6978! One of a kind, always cutting up! Kem, sorry for ur loss.
Trish Harris
September 10, 2020
Sending my deepest condolences to the Darden family. Many fond memories over the years.
May you find peace and comfort in the days to come. Much love, Trish Harris
Barbara Bove
September 10, 2020
My thoughts and prayers of comfort for the entire family.
Jill and Jimmie Jenkins
September 10, 2020
Mom and I both are sending our love and prayers for peace to comfort you all in the upcoming weeks. Tony was such a nice person and contributed so much to his community. May God bless him and may he rest in peace. Jill Alderman and Jimmie Jenkins
Bette Wright
September 10, 2020
My life time buddy has passed on from his earthly life. Thanks be to God, for giving us Tony, and his wonderful sense of humor . yes Tony I did teach you in 3rd grade.......
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120 West Main St., Radford, VA 24141
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