OBITUARY

Walter James Harden

May 22, 1949 – July 29, 2016
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Walter James Harden

Walter James Harden, SSGT ASAF Ret, was born in Fort Worth, Texas on May 22, 1949, to James and Ura Harden. He was reared in a loving and nurturing home along with his five siblings.

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.

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  • Visitation

    Thursday, August 4, 2016

  • Homegoing Celebration

    Friday, August 5, 2016

  • Graveside Service With Military Honors

    Friday, August 5, 2016

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Walter James Harden

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Anes Abraham

August 20, 2016

Praying for your strength. I remember at Marcus's graduation how much he enjoyed being around family and friends. As time passes the fun memories and happy times you shared will be always be with you. Take care of yourself and each other.
Anes Wiley Abraham

Jennifer Perkins

August 10, 2016

Extending condolences to the Harden family for the loss of Walter "PH". PH shared gospel CD's with many of his Postal family. He always had a smile for everyone and had a happy spirit about him. He talked about his loving family all of the time. He will be missed.

August 7, 2016

May God continue to bless & strengthen you. My love & prayers are with you. Jean Mizell

(Mother) Josephine Coleman

August 7, 2016

To Emma Harden & Family:
You have my deepest sympathy and FERVENT Prayers in your time of sorrow.

August 6, 2016

To the Harden family:
Our thoughts and prays are with you. May God give you peace and comfort during your time of sorrow.

Carol Washington / Dunlap Family

Deacon Samuel Ellison & Family

August 6, 2016

The Harden family is in our prayers. May God continue to keep you in his care.

Ulanda Jones

August 5, 2016

MY DEAR FRIEND YOU WERE A GREAT GUY...WE ALL. LOVED YOU...YOU WILL BE MISSED ALL THE MEMORIES WE HAD ALL THOSE FAMILY GATHERING.....BIRTHDAY PARTIES...WEDDING YOU WAS MY RIDE ARE DIE FRIEND...SAVE A PLACE FOR ME...I LOVE AND MISS YOU....BRANDON IS STILL POINT THAT FINGER DOWN ..FOR YOU AND UP FOR EMMA...YOU CAN GET HIM WHEN HE GET THERE ...HUGS AND KISSES...

Wanda Dunlap

August 5, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Harden family and friends of Elder Walter J. Harden. I had the pleasure of meeting him many years ago through my niece Fran Clark (Miracle's God-mother) and remember his kindness and Godly spirit.

Diane and Felix Acevedo

August 5, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We are coworkers (retired) of PH,he would call us just to say hello and see how we were doing. We will miss his calls.

Dorothy Langford

August 5, 2016

Though I have only met Mr. Harden on a few occasions, he showed much kindness to me and my son. Mr. Harden will be greatly missed but know he has gone to sit by the Father's side. Be comforted in knowing he will continue to watch over the family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

It all started here with dad and mom.

Mr.& Mrs James and Ura Harden

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Me and my little brother, since I came first. Walter and James Harden (twins of course)!!

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

The Harden Boys

FROM THE FAMILY

The Harden Family

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

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