Walter James Harden

Walter graduated from Como High School in Fort Worth, Texas in 1968 and immediately gained his commission into the United States Air Force. During his twenty-year military career, he fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded numerous decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. A few of his stateside and overseas assignments included Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, Mildenhall Air Force Base in Suffolk, England, F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas.

While stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas, Walter met the love of his life, Emma Louise McClain. The two joined in holy matrimony on February 11, 1977. Walter was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He taught his children to love and revere God and encouraged them to excel at their God-given talents. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1988, Walter and Emma decided to make Austin their home. In 1989, he began a ten-year career with the United States Postal Service, all while remaining active in church ministry.

Born to Christian parentage, Walter accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Second Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He along with the family later moved their membership to New Vision Christian Church, where his thirst for God continued to grow. Because of his love for singing, he and his brothers created a singing group called The Harden Family, eagerly performing as often as they could. He demonstrated leadership qualities as was evidenced through his participation and assignments as elder, deacon, teacher, administrator, board member, and armor bearer. He embraced all of these assignments at his final church home, All Nations Christian Center Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Tracy Mitchell. His love for Christ extended beyond those church walls and impacted so many who had the privilege of knowing him. Elder Harden had a special gift of exhortation, always encouraging people no matter their circumstances. He delivered care packages to those in need, whether at the hospital or at their home. He also established a prayer breakfast crew for retired military members, but extended the gathering to include other men who desired fellowship. He had such a warm spirit, a zest for life, and never met a stranger. Many family and friends affectionately called him “PH” while others called him Daddy Harden.

Elder Walter James Harden peacefully entered into God’s care and eternal rest on July 29, 2016 at the age of 67. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ura Harden. We who cherish his memory and await a reunion with him are his loving wife of 39 years, Emma Harden; son, Ryan Anthony McClain (Brenda) of Blytheville, Arkansas; Anthony Harden of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Miracle LaShaunda Harden of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren, Christian McClain, Shanice McClain, Marcus McClain, Shania Carr, Alaiyiah Butler, Amira Langford, and Chaston Harden. He is also survived by his twin brother James Harden (Parthenia), brother Sidney Harden, brother Ricky (Rochelle) Harden, sister Reta Ann Vaughn, sister Rosalyn Harden, mother-in-law, Christine Carter McClain, god-child, Richard McNear, and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbors.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be mailed to Faith4Life Church, 1000 McNeil Road, Round Rock, TX 78681.