Daniel Dale Barden

Daniel "Danny" Dale Barden, 74, a lifelong resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 2, 2026.

Danny was born on June 3, 1951, to Ted and Grace Barden. The fourth child and the baby of the family, he was adored by both his parents and his siblings. In their eyes, Danny could do no wrong, though that doesn't mean the belt or a willow switch never saw that Barden butt once or twice.

Danny attended Heyburn Elementary and St. Maries High School. Known as a "12-year senior," he proudly earned several certificates for perfect attendance. During his school years he was active in football, basketball, and baseball and was well liked by classmates and teachers alike.

Following graduation in 1969, Danny and his good friend Barney Wolfe enlisted in the United States Army. Danny trained as an Army Ranger and was deployed to Vietnam. It was a chapter of his life he rarely spoke about. A few close family members heard glimpses of those experiences.

For many years after returning home, no one, including his wife, wanted to be the one to wake him, as he would sometimes jump up ready for battle. Over time those moments became less intense, though he carried the weight of PTSD for many years.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Danny returned home to St. Maries and went to work for Potlatch Corporation. He later worked in the woods for Sindt Logging and eventually for St. Maries Logging, where he worked alongside and for men he deeply respected, including Dewey Epler and Jim Beal. Danny spent most of his working life in the logging industry, retiring in 2014 due to health reasons.

During his early years back home, Danny married Sherril Brown, and in 1973 they welcomed their daughter, Missy. The couple later divorced.

Danny married Debbie Gleason on December 27, 1980. He joked that he only had a few days left as a single man before the end of the year and that he would be able to claim two extra dependents on his taxes since their first son had already been born. As it turned out, Danny Barden may not have fully realized what he was getting himself into for the next 45 years.

Together, Danny and Debbie built a home in Riverdale, where they raised their children, Derek, Jeremy, and Amy and created a lifetime of memories. Danny loved spending time with his three children and always looked forward to visits from his daughter, Missy. Later in life he especially enjoyed the blessing of grandchildren, who held a very special place in his heart. When nothing else could bring a smile to Danny's face, those kids certainly could.

In his free time Danny enjoyed playing and watching sports, reading, and spending time playing poker or cribbage with friends and family. He had a quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and a way of making people laugh. Danny was also an avid reader who could finish several books a week. He loved every genre and was likely the St. Maries Public Library's best customer.

Danny will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend whose life was rooted in family, hard work, and the community of St. Maries he loved. He was a legend in his own right-and as his daughter Missy said best, "Dad was epic."

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Debbie Barden; his sons Derek (Kim Haynes) Barden and Jeremy ("Danni Girl") Barden; his daughters Missy (Beau Driskill) Ewell and Amy (Anton) Marek; and his grandchildren Connor, Tatum, Gracie, Jaelyn, and Vanner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Grace Barden; his siblings Bonnie, Sandie, and Tim; and other family members who welcomed him home.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A gathering of family and friends to share stories, view a slideshow, and enjoy a meal will follow at the Elks Lodge.

Condolences for Danny's family may be left on his tribute page at hodgefuneralhome.com.