Robert Gwen "Red" Harden

Robert "Red" Gwen Harden, age 75, of Springfield, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Barren Plains Baptist Church with Brother Chad Diehl officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until the hour of service at Barren Plains Baptist Church.

Mr. Harden was born on October 2, 1950, in Springfield to the late Bobby and Louise Harden. He spent his childhood in the Hopewell community. He graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 1970. Mr. Harden worked at Payne Chevrolet for over twenty years, where he proudly served as the specialty mechanic for Subaru vehicles. During his time there, he had the special opportunity to work alongside both his father and brother.
He later continued his career with the Robertson County Board of Education in the Building and Grounds Department, where he retired after over twenty years of faithful service.

A man of strong faith, Mr. Harden was a devoted member of Barren Plains Baptist Church.
He sang in the choir, served for many years as a Royal Ambassador leader, was the Chairman of the House and Grounds Committee, and had a deep love for missions. He traveled to Caracas, Venezuela, and the Oklahoma Indian Reservation, but the mission trips closest to his heart were with Deaf Ministries in Ponce, Puerto Rico. For eight summers, he donated his time repairing vehicles and teaching local mechanics, quietly making a lasting impact on countless lives.

Having lost his hearing at an early age, Mr. Harden faced life's challenges with courage and perseverance. In 2005, he was blessed to receive cochlear implants, a milestone that brought new joy and connection to his life. In his early retirement years, he found great happiness on the lake with his wife, Jessica, fishing with his grandchildren, and enjoying yearly camping trips with his son. He also had a special passion for woodworking, creating beautifully handcrafted pieces - especially his impressive wall clocks and specialty walking canes - which will remain treasured reminders of his talent and creativity. Above all else, Mr. Harden was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his servant's heart, quiet strength, and the love he shared so freely with others.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Harden is preceded in death by his wife: Jessica Nella Harden, brother: James Harden, and daughter-in-law: Amy Hall Harden. He is survived by his children: David Harden and Bethany (Jeremy) Taylor, by his sisters: Debbie Justice and Jenny Greer, by his grandchildren: Lynleigh (Colton) Dieters, Neylee Harden, SSgt. John Taylor, and Levi Harden, by his great-grandchild: John Michael Dieters, and by a host of nieces and nephews.