Roland "Wobby" Harden

Roland Harden, 89, known to most of his family and friends as “Wobby,” was born on December 5, 1927, in Austin, Texas. He was the third child of the late Charleston P. Harden, Sr. and Minnie Bremond Harden. Wobby passed away peacefully at his home on April 27, 2017.

Wobby graduated from L.C. Anderson High School in 1944 and enrolled in Samuel Huston College. As a freshman, he met twenty-five-year-old rookie basketball coach, Jackie Robinson. Although Wobby never played sports at Anderson, he convinced Robinson to put him on the team and give him a scholarship. Wobby eventually started for the team. Because the basketball scholarship allowed him to stay in college, Wobby often credits Robinson for much of his future success. While attending Samuel Huston, Wobby was initiated into the Sigma Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1946. Wobby graduated from Samuel Huston College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He also earned a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Guidance from Prairie View A&M University in 1966.

Wobby had two stints in the U.S. Army. His first tour began in1948 and he served through 1950. He was recalled in 1952 and served through 1954. After returning to civilian life, Wobby began his teaching career in Del Rio, Texas in 1955. In 1957, he moved to Navasota, Texas and began teaching at George Washington Carver High School.

In 1960, he married Ella Mae Thompson. Their union produced two daughters: June Bremond Harden and Joi Burnette Harden (Patrick). At the conclusion of the 1969 school year, Wobby and his family left Navasota and returned to Austin. Wobby was hired as a counselor at John H. Reagan High School in August of 1969. During his tenure, Wobby urged his students to pursue higher education. Many of these former students have commented that they would not have considered attending college if not for his encouragement. Wobby retired from Reagan on January 1, 1985. Following the death of his wife, Wobby returned to teaching and ultimately concluded his career at Gary Job Corps in San Marcos, Texas.

Wobby was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ella; siblings, Charleston P. Harden, Jr. and Dr. June Harden Brewer; and stepson, Ira Poole. He is survived by his daughters; wife, Wray Plicque; stepdaughters, Marilyn Poole and Lori Plicque; and nephews, Bert H. Brewer, Jr. and Charles R. Brewer. He also leaves behind step grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home located at 6100 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. A ceremony led by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will occur at 7:00 p.m. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 10 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Austin.