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Don Barden Obituary
Barden died from complications of lung cancer, two days after he was admitted to Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, according to Barden Companies.
"Don was a stalwart leader and businessman in this community, as well as a friend," Mayor Dave Bing said in a statement. "We were aware of his longtime illness and dreaded this day."
Barden made millions with cable TV franchises in Detroit and the suburbs, but lately the news about him was not flattering. His wife, Bella Marshall, went to court earlier this year in a dispute over this ability to manage his assets.
Barden's Majestic Star Casino LLC owns casinos in Las Vegas, Gary, Ind., Black Hawk, Colo., and Tunica, Miss., but the company has been trying to reorganize in bankruptcy court since 2009.
Barden grew up in Inkster, near Detroit, where he sold vegetables from the family farm. He dropped out of college in Ohio but stayed in Lorain, Ohio, for 20 years, working a series of jobs before opening a record shop at age 22. He started a weekly newspaper, the Lorain County Times, bought real estate and became the first black member of the Lorain City Council.
Barden hosted a weekly TV show at the NBC affiliate in Cleveland and owned five radio stations in Illinois in the 1990s.
He rubbed elbows with the powerful, even teaching dance steps to President Bill Clinton following a state dinner with South Africa President Nelson Mandela in the 1990s.
"I'm on a mission to prove that a poor, young African-American from a very large family, from humble beginnings, can rise to the top in America in a free enterprise system," Barden told The Associated Press in 1997 when he was pursuing a Detroit casino license.
Barden didn't get a license and was bitter .
"I got screwed and the city got screwed," he recalled in 2004.
The headquarters of Barden Companies is a prominent downtown building near Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers, and the Detroit Athletic Club where he was a member.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Don Barden
149 Entries
Betty Ruth Beamon Evans
December 10, 2024
Don you're gone
But never Forgotten
I use to have many conversations with you
I was going to learn how
To operate those cameras
Always will remember you
Betty Ruth Beamon Evans
Vernell Vass
December 30, 2020
My parents Robert and Rosia Greer grew up with Don Braden. He always would send them tickets to many different affairs. I remember his Grandfather and his sisters coming to visit my Grandmother Mrs.Ross. They always placed an impression on how black people could live a better lifestyle. The Greer family will never forget your kindness. God Bless The Entire Family. Rest in Heaven Mr. Don Braden
Valenda Newell
November 6, 2016
WHEN A GREAT MAN PASSES, FOR YEARS THE LIGHT HE LEAVES BEHIND SHINES FOREVER..RIH..PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS
November 23, 2012
Truely Don Barden was a Genius>His gift was that he appreciated hard work and determination. His vision to bring himself out of poverty and create an Empire showed is Genius. may you rest in peace Don. To his Family your memories will keep him alive. May God bless and keep you all. Jeannette Cross (Williams)
C. Guyton
September 22, 2012
I just recently thought about Mr.Barden.I sometimes drove Mr.Barden when he was in the Chicago area.Not only was he generous,but often told me stories about Inkster and how he got started in the cable tv business.He was a class act and a true original.
October 15, 2011
I am very sorry about your loss. The bible tells us at Isaiah 29: 8, 9 that death will be swallowed up and there will be no more tears.
Chelsea Lambkin
July 19, 2011
God has his family in the lord's hands
robert richards
June 19, 2011
As an original member of the table games management department at the Majestic Star, I had the distinct honor of becoming slightly acquainted with Mr. Barden, and as a Caucasian of the same age, I never ceased to marvel at what this gentleman accomplished and at what he had to overcome to achieve what he did. When he was initially granted a gaming license, he said that of all the licenses he has had to obtain in his business ventures, this was the license he was most proud of. He exuded class and respectability, his actions allowed many others with similar impoverished beginnings an opportunity to succeed. On this father's day, his children can count their blessings and all family members can take a great deal of pride in this man's legacy. May he rest in peace.
Valarie Green
June 13, 2011
Mr. Barden, May your family and friends be blessed by the many blessings you unselfishly bestowed on all of us. Thank you. Rest with the Angels. Valarie (Evans)Green
Earl Lene (Wilson) De Santiago
June 8, 2011
Thanking Mr. Don Barden for the many opportunities he provided for so many, never forgetting Inkster, and being a "ROLE" model to our young people. I never got a chance to say how proud of you I was but I shall share your experiences with my students. President of IHS Class of 1960 and former Cardboard City resident.
Robert Ross
May 31, 2011
Mr harden was a great inspiration to me. I was just proud of him when I first heard an African American man purchasing a casino. And being sucessfull purchasing more businesses
Bree M
May 31, 2011
I love & miss you so much great uncle. You will never be forgotten.. R.i.p Don H. Barden!
Gisele Caver
May 30, 2011
Rest in Peace. You touched so many lives
Alva Anderson
May 29, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tammy
May 29, 2011
My condolences to his family, Mr Barden was an inspiration and I greatly admired his accomplishments. RIP- he should go down in history as one of the greatest businessman-one of the best that there was. May GOD bless his soul!
S Harvey
May 27, 2011
A great loss for the City of Detroit, but an awesome homegoing of a 'son' to see his Heavenly Father!
Barney Porzondek
May 27, 2011
Don was a fantastic man, full of charisma, confidence and ability. I had the fortune of meeting Don in Inkster as he was starting Barden Cablevision. Needing a summer job away from college and after short conversation, Don said I'd be a salesman for his company though I had never sold anything before. I owe a successful career in sales to Don Barden! Also knowing his brothers Fred, John and Bernie, I can say that the Bardens are a very special family that Southeast Michigan can be very proud of.
In Sympathy,
Barney Porzondek
Belleville, MI
Jamilah Morris
May 27, 2011
The Morris family in Ypsilanti, Michigan will have the Barden family in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you all.
Gloria Pannell
May 27, 2011
To the Barden Family, I send my love and condolences
Emory Stevens
May 27, 2011
To the Barden Family, I send my heart felt condolences to you...although I won't be able to attend in person, know that in spirit, I'm there to let you ,and Donnie know that he's going to a better place !!! In Jesus name, Amen.
Mrs. Dorothy Hill
May 26, 2011
Don Barden was a good steward for the people of Michigan and elsewhere.
Lloyd Powell
May 26, 2011
Don Barden will always be our hero and we are all so grateful for his exemplary legacy of achievement.
Lloyd & the Public Defenders of Washtenaw County
Sharon Black,Williams
May 26, 2011
To Carl and Mary and all family im sorry about the lost of Donnie he was a very special man,always had a small.he will be missed by everyone .You would see him on tv and he always had a smile a smile that will be missed R.I.P. DONNIE will keep you all in prayer. AMEN
May 25, 2011
My Condolences to the Don H.Barden family. I shall always cherish memories of celebrations,holidays,cook-outs, dining out and plain ole good times.I will always have fond memories of three decades of knowing a unique man of Integrity, itellegence, ambition and love of life. May you R.I.P. with Greatnesss! Nancy R.Ferguson & Christina (Detroit, MI)
ODELL JONES
May 25, 2011
MY HEART AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE BEAUTIFUL FAMILY OF THE GREAT! DON BARDEN I HAD THE GREAT HONOR IN KNOWING THIS WONDERFUL MAN & HIS FAMILY......MAY GOD REST HIS SOUL.....ODELL JONES...
Karen Anderson
May 25, 2011
He never talked the talk he just walked the walk THANK YOU GOD for DON BARDEN.
Tammy Pitts
May 25, 2011
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Barden family. Thank you for the opportunity and wonderful years at Majestic. You will truely be missed
May 25, 2011
to the barden family you have my deepest sympathy may god bless the barden family stay strong and look up that is were your help come from jesus love you and he will keep you in his hand
velma l. davis
detroit mich
Gary Citizen
May 25, 2011
To the Barden Family. You have our deepest sympathy. May God bless and keep you. Stay strong and continue to trust in Jesus Christ and he will surely see you through your sorrows.
Larnell Roper
May 24, 2011
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the family. To live a life and to have helped so many people in a positive way is probably one of the greatest acheivements that one man can accomplish. Thanks Mr. Barden for the 15 years of employment at the Majestic Star Casino.You will truely be missed.
May 24, 2011
Our prayers go out to the Barden Family. May he rest in piece.
Jethro & Gloria Boatwright
Paul & Carolynne White
May 24, 2011
To the Barden Family,have hope in tomorrow, have faith in the everlasting, and take comfort in the love of friends and family. Paul & Carolynne (Parham) White
J Richardson
May 24, 2011
To the Barden Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What Mr. Barden has done for our community will not be forgotten. He will be truely missed.
charles latimer
May 24, 2011
to my best friend and like a brother to me,also the family is like family also,janet and i will miss him. charles and janet latimer
Pamela Cofer
May 24, 2011
To the Barden Family,
I met Mr. Barden when he obtained the casino in Las Vegas. He was a very cool gentleman. The family has my prayers.
Lillie Ricks-Morris
May 24, 2011
To the Barden Family,
May God bless you and your family in the loss of your brother Donnie. Another Inkster High School classmate
May 24, 2011
The Barden Family,
When you are from Inkster, everyone is like family. Donnie's sister Yvonne was in my class.
I live in New Jersey now, but I feel the lost of Donnie all the way here.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Remember the lives he has touched,because we in Inkster and everywhere else will always remember him.
Sherry Hicks Byrd
Inkster High, class of '59'
richard Walker
May 24, 2011
To the Don Barden Family! Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Don was a great and wonderful man. Much love to your family.
Janet and Richard Walker Family, Iowa City, Iowa
Ron Mayes
May 24, 2011
To the family of Mr. Don Barden, the Mayes faimly out of Fort Wayne, IN. Would like to say stay storng in these days, we will keep you in our prayers.
May 24, 2011
Sorry for your loss.You will find comfort in Gods word. He promise to swallow up death and to make earth a paradise where there will be no suffering.
Lynette & Daniel
Lillia (Jodi) Thomas (Wynn)
May 24, 2011
During hours of sorrow is when the memories of our love one brings us comfort. They are what will substain you in the days to come. Know this to that real and true comfort comes from God, for he comforts like no one else can. Love and praying for you.
J & T Hamilton
May 24, 2011
To Mrs.BMarshall-Barden,son,daughter, & extended family, may God's L O V E
give each of you strength & peace as you honor your husband, father, brother & uncle. He's one of Inkster's greatest.
BabyRay at the Fitz in Vegas. (Serieux)
Ray Moore
May 23, 2011
I performed at his Fitz in Vegas a couple times, and Don was very nice. We talked and everytime he saw me he always asked was I ok and being taken care of. I`ll miss him.
Audrey Hall
May 23, 2011
My Deepest Sympathy to Bella Barden and Alana, words can not express the passing of your husband and father, let not your heart be troubled for he helps those that have a heavy heart. My you have peace and comfort thru your trying times. Audrey Hall and family
Betty Bonner Thomas
May 23, 2011
TO THE BARDEN FAMILY
As a classmate of Donnie's from Inkster High School Class of 1962 I am praying for you all as you go through these trying times. May He R.I.P.
Charles and Gloria Dennis
May 23, 2011
Our prayers go out to the entire Barden family ,espicially Verna,Jackie and Keylon Favors,to whom we have close ties,know that we are here for you.
We never had the oppurtunity to meet Don,but have visited the Fitzgerald in Vegas and Misssissippi,we were so proud of him.He put Inkster on the map.
C T
May 23, 2011
TO THE BARDEN FAMILY
I did not know Mr.Barden personally, however, I worked in the Book Building where his office was located at the time I would often see him going to the Deli on the first floor he would always smile and speak to everyone, he was very quiet, I was always proud of his accomplishments as an African American
and most everyone in Detroit had Barden's cable when he was the owner, I filmed a program for the company that I was working for at the time at Barden cable. Mrs. Barden and family you are in our Prayers.
~C.T. BELLEVILLE, MICHIGAN
Ikalean Johnson Wilkerson
May 23, 2011
Donnie was an Inkster High School classmate, and I was proud of all the wonderful accomplishments of our beloved classmate. To the family of Donnie Barden, I pray that all the wonderful memories you shared with Don will bring you comfort and God keep your hearts in peace.
Rev. Alfred Hampton Jr.
May 23, 2011
God bless your famliy for God took care of you even in the bad times God is good.
May 23, 2011
To the Barden Family
I'm another INKSTERITE that will miss INKSTER's Own, Donnie Barden, Inkster High School Alumni Class of 1962. He is absent from the body, but present with the Lord. Rest In Peace (Paradise) my classmate, you made our city proud!
Sheila BOYD Garwood IHS Alumni Class of 1960
Calvin Stevens
May 23, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers to the Barden Family. To God Be the Glory!!!
Georthy Wiley
May 23, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Janeen Holloway
May 23, 2011
The family of Mildred Thomas and my late auntie Minerva Barden wish to express our sadness for uncle Don's passing. He was a gentleman and someone who will always be admired by us, his other family!
Renee Shorter
May 23, 2011
The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Renee' Shorter
Greater Grace Temple Church
Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III
S.T.
May 23, 2011
TO THE BARDEN FAMILY
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,ESPECIALLY HIS SON DONNIE. YOU HAVE BIG FOOT STEPS TO FOLLOW.
Martin Sipple
May 23, 2011
The Barden Family,
Thanks for the times with Mr.B I will miss Mr.B
May 23, 2011
To the Barden Family: Sorry for your loss. Our son will be receiving the Gary Barden Foundation Scholarship today. It was because of Mr.
Barden's vision that this is possible. Our family will be praying for your family during this difficult time. He was a great man.
The Dunham family/ Gary ,Indiana
Geraldine Starks
May 23, 2011
To Mrs. Barden and family I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Don Barden during my employment. I was one of the first security guards at the Majestic Star Casino in Gary, Ind in June of 1996. Being a Nurse by professional I was still able to practice my nursing when out customers became sick on board. I stayed for 1/1/2 years and enjoyed every minute especially with the group I worked with. It was always a party when Mr. Barden came to town. I miss him already ( just like a family member). Keep smiling and stay strong Mrs. Barden, I will be praying for you. Mrs. Geraldine Starks RN.BSN.
randall ford
May 23, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Thomas
May 23, 2011
May Don fond works and memories stay with the people he touch for a life time.May the God of comfort and love be with Don family and friends.Acts24:15.
May 23, 2011
Our condolences from (your former neighbor west 21st street),we've never forgotten U.
Linda GloverCapers
May 22, 2011
I would like to send prayers and my condolences to the Barden family. I had the pleasure of knowing Donnie when he came to Lorain, Ohio to live with his brother the late Bernie Barden. Donnie was determine to do great things. God will be with this family
Belinda James-Deutou
May 22, 2011
God bless on your journey. Your legacy will live on.
Belinda James-Deutou
May 22, 2011
May God shine his light on you.
mark Weinberg
May 22, 2011
I knew Mr Barden back in 1990's when he
would come too Atlantic city .
(Resorts Casino) We had many interesting
conversations . I Worked in Slots
Mark Weinberg (Pittsgrove NJ )
Barbara Barden Wiltz
May 22, 2011
May God bless you on your journey. I send my condolences to your family.
Mrs Barbara Barden Wiltz
#2 ex
ADRIANNE BREWER GRANT
May 22, 2011
I didnt no mr Barden but as a black woman who is strugglen with 4 children and 5 grandchildren im very proud of him and his accomplishments. It just shows that when your determined to do something and you put your mind in to it it can be done. May God continue to bless your family and hope that the successes you have brought to us black people i hope they continue your legacy.
Adrianne"Seeky"Brewer-Grant
May 22, 2011
I didnt no mr Barden but as a black woman who is strugglen with 4 children and 5 grandchildren im very proud of him and his accomplishments. It just shows that when your determined to do something and you put your mind in to it it can be done. May God continue to bless your family and hope that the successes you have brought to us black people i hope they continue your legacy.
Billy McGowan
May 22, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
LINDA SUGGS-POLLARD
May 22, 2011
MR B - I'M GOING TO MISS YOU.
YOUR CUZ.....
LINDA SUGGS POLLARD
The Diva Club
May 21, 2011
God Bless You.
Susan Jackson
May 21, 2011
To the Barden family, God Bless you. Keep your head up. and keep him memory alive, His work going on, This was a powerful man, God knew what he was doing when he made this child after him. God Bless you, To his wife, and his children. We have lost another good man.He's with his friend Michael Jackson. My God.
Debbie Spikes
May 21, 2011
To the entire Barden family,may you find comfort from GOD during your time of sorrow.I have known and worked for Don for 15 years and he was always someone with smile and encouraging word.Don fought a very courageous fight with cancer and now he is it rest in GOD's arms.My prayers will continue to be with you.
May 21, 2011
TO THE BARDEN FAMILY: MY FAMILY MET DONNIE IN 1965 WHEN HE LIVED IN LORAIN BACK THEN HE HAD THE DREAM TO BE A SUCCESSFUL MAN, I AM GLAD HIS DREAM CAME TRUE. "GOD BLESSINGS TO HIS FAMILY" MRS.CONSTANCE HARPER & FAMILY SAN ANTONIO TEXAS.
May 21, 2011
In death two dates are referred to [birth and death] with a dash [-] between these dates. It matters not what we own but how we live, love and how we spend our DASH.
Mr Barden helped support a community and his name will be remembered by many.
Sincere condolences to the family. May you be comforted by the promise in the scriptures when death will be no more.
Clara Sanders
May 21, 2011
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of this African American businessman who started from humble beginnings. His life may serve as an impetus to young African Americans to strive harder. I thank him for the employment opportunties offered in the impoverished of Gary, In. May God take care of his family in this hour of sadness.
May 21, 2011
My heartfelt remorse goes to the family of Mr. Barden in this time of loss. I pray that he knew the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. I was very proud of his accomplishments in the cable and casino world. The family is in my prayers.
May 21, 2011
I have had the privilege to work for Mr. Barden for 15 years at the Majestic Star. Mr. Barden was an inspiration to many of us. I was proud to represent him and fortunate enough to spend some time with him through the years. Like may people, I appreciate the opportunities you afforded me and my family. I can honestly say I have lived a great life do to the job opportunities at the Casino. We will carry on your vision and continue to make you proud of what you started. Thanks for all you did Mr. B! May God bless you and your family!
DiAnne C. Montgomery
May 21, 2011
I hope my son grows up in a beautiful legacy as your family member. He was a great Black Man and we need more like him daily. A fine gentleman - Tom Joyner gave him an extra kudos on his show. He is gone, but truly will not be forgotten - DiAnne C. Montgomery and family
Janice & Eugene Robinson
May 21, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I pray that the Lord bless and keep you during this difficult time.
kelvan griffin
May 21, 2011
My condolences to he Barden family. He has been a great contributor to society. Our prayers our with you.
May 21, 2011
Smart business man with a big heart rest in peace. P.ROGERS (NY.NYC)
LAHOMA JOHNSON
May 21, 2011
TO THE BARDEN FAMILY, OUR THOUGHTS&PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY. THE JOHNSON FAMILY OF INKSTER
Joe Gibson
May 21, 2011
I will always remember Donnie as a gentleman with class. We had great times as young men in Lorain,O. I knew early on that Don was going to accomplish much in his lifetime and he did.
God Bless
May 21, 2011
My condolences and prayers goes out to the family of Don H. Barden. I will always remember the wonderful times while working at Barden Cablevision. Rest in Peace. Katherine Thomas-Carpenter (Rubidoux, CA)
Anonymous
May 20, 2011
You were still young, but you had a blessed life! What an example for young black people! May the Lord bless and keep this family!
Mike Thomas Sr
May 20, 2011
Rest In Peace, You are a shining example to all mankind, black white, all races, My condolences to your family.
May 20, 2011
May God Bless you and family.
May you Rest in Peace Mr Barden.
The Hines Family
Detroit, MI
Kimberly Sangster
May 20, 2011
My heart goes out to the family of there lost. I'm praying for you all.
The Family of Craig Scott
May 20, 2011
Extending our deepest sympathy. May his legacy continue.
Jose & Cheryl Soto
May 20, 2011
Rest In Peace Mr. Barden! Our deepest condolences to Mr. Barden's family!
timberly sangster
May 20, 2011
timberly sangster i will never forget whta u have done for me mr barden if it had not been for you a lot of people in gary would not even be working so again sorry for the lost i will never forget u
Priscella Mounia-Wilson
May 20, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family. It was a shock to find the Lord has another angel. I did not know Mr. Barden personally but I appreciate him bringing his casino to Gary Ind. for our enjoyment. May God Bless you all.
Gary Glover
May 20, 2011
Rest in peace Donnie from the Glover family we will never forget you.
James Cooper
May 20, 2011
I have fond memories of Don (don't call me Donald) He was a fair and honest business associate and our communtiy was richer as a result of his presence. He will be missed.
Stef De Young
May 20, 2011
To the Barden Family, my condolences and prayers for comfort during your time of sorrow. Mr. Barden was such a distinguished gentleman to work for at the Gary location. He will be missed. God Bless.
Becky Franklin
May 20, 2011
Mr. Barden is from my hometown Inkster, MI. I went to school with many of his family members and lived not too far from his parents home. I am proud to say that this is a great family, and is very greatful to Mr. Barden for allowing me the opportunity to work with him during my senior year (Co-Op Job) at Barden Cable Vision. I was very impressed with his ambitious and down to earth professional demeanor. May God continue to keep his family covered and give them all strength to carry on his legacy. R.I.P. Mr. Barden.............Becky (Williams)Franklin
christopher orr
May 20, 2011
My Sincere Condolence goes out to the Barden family . Keep holding on my sister and my brother god got a blessing with your name on it.
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