Arnold E Carden

The beloved Patriarch of our family, Arnold Eugene Carden, also known as Dr. A E (Gene) Carden, passed away on January 1, 2025 at the age of 94. His legacy is that of a kind and gentle man of God. He made a living as a professor, but his passions were God and His Word, family and the church.

A E Carden was born on April 27, 1930 to Susie Floried Robinson Carden and Arnold Preston Carden in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated in 1952 from Auburn University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He also received a Masters in Engineering from UA in 1956 and his PhD in Metallurgy in 1972 from University of Connecticut. He served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the army from 1952 to 1954 in the Korean Conflict.

While at Auburn he courted the love of his life, Patsy Walker Carden, also from Birmingham. They were married in 1952. They believed children were a blessing from the Lord and were thrilled with the chaos and excitement that six children bring. They are Daniel Carden (Janie), Timothy Carden (Elizabeth), Evelyn Wilson (Mark), Rebekah Wanstall (Chris), Benjamin Carden, and Elizabeth Kelley (John). He was proud of his heritage, 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren (so far!). When we gathered he loved to sweep his hands over the crowd and say, “Me and the children the Lord has given me.”

He was a wonderful husband and father. His children testify, “I never heard him yell at Mom, never heard him use profanity.” He maintained a proper view of work, and was home for dinner and devotions each night. Even when traveling, attending church was a priority for the family, much to the chagrin of the children at times.

He taught Engineering at UA for 35 years, and at the end of each semester invited his students to his home for breakfast where he was free to share his testimony. His piety, honesty and work ethic created profound respect from his colleagues.

As a faithful member and contributor to Emmanuel Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church, he was revered as a Bible scholar and teacher. Business meetings often ended after discussion by turning and asking, “Dr. Carden, what do you think?” While his teaching often was complex, the way he lived what he taught made the lessons clear.

Papa Gene, as he is known to his grandchildren and others, loved his wife Patsy and the only ‘complaint’ heard from him in the last several years of his life was, “I miss my wife.”

His enduring testimony to his family and others is 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

Gene is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Patsy Carden and his brother John Carden of Melbourne, Florida. His sister-in-law, Sue Carden survives him.

The graveside committal service will be Saturday, January 11 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of his life service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa at 2:00 pm on Sunday Jan. 12. While there will not be a formal visitation, the family will be on hand to greet guests after the memorial service. All are invited to both services although it is expected to be very cold at the graveside.