Dennis Harden

Dennis Harden, 81, of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away Monday, January 31st at UNC Rex Hospital with his daughter, Christy by his side. He was born in South Bend, Indiana on November 5, 1940, to the late Louis W. and Dorothy J. (Labadie) Harden. He was a proud big brother to sisters Janice and Pamela. He graduated from Central High School in 1959, where he was on the swim team. After attending Purdue University and studying engineering, he worked for Rockwell Industries and moved with the company to Raleigh in 1966. He married Barbara London Harden in 1972; they were married almost 25 years before her passing in 1997. Dennis was a loving, kind, and devoted family man. Besides Rockwell, he also worked at Southeastern Machine & Tool Co., D.H. Hill Library, and as a contractor for the News & Observer. Throughout his life, he enjoyed many hobbies such as raising and showing Shetland Sheepdogs, playing chess, attending yard sales, and breeding daylilies. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Maine and Yellowstone, and took many trips with his daughter after retiring. He always had a smile on his face, cigar in hand, and cap on his head. He is survived by his daughter, Christy Harden, of Raleigh; sister, Pam Holycross, of South Bend, IN; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister Janice Kilanowski. Visitation will be at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh NC on Tuesday, February 8th from 12:30 to 1 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com