GEORGE BARDEN, devoted husband, father and friend passed peacefully at his home on November 2, 2015, surrounded by his wife, Lorraine, of 69 years, his daughter, Cathy, son, David and Tracy Hoopingarner. George lived a full and accomplished life, with such a love for life, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and sharing of same, and a love of music surely unequalled, especially big band tunes of the 1930's and 1940's. George often shared his music collections with all who requested. Music was an integral part of his life and passion from an early age, when George's father would take him into New York City from their home in Mystic, Connecticut to hear all the big bands. George is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lorraine, son, David and his wife, Barbara, of Boca Raton, Florida, daughter, Cathy O'Keefe of Santa Fe, New Mexico, granddaughter and her husband, Jaime and Chris Medlicott of Boca Raton, Florida and grandson, Michael Barden, of Boca Raton, Florida. George was born on June 6, 1922 and spent his formative years in Mystic, Connecticut, was president of his high school class at Stonington High School, enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed on the East Coast and in San Diego, California. Being the first in his family to attend and graduate from college, George graduated from Brown University in 1950. George's professional career began in 1950 in Indianapolis where he was a supervisor at PR Mallory and Meyer Electric until 1958, when he accepted a supervisory position at Columbia Records in Terre Haute, where he was employed from 1958 to 1962. George later accepted a System Control Analyst position at Anaconda Aluminum. George was a dedicated employee from 1962 until his retirement on December 31, 1987. An avid golfer and member of the Anaconda Golf League for some 30+ years, George's golf championships have been noted at Hulman Links on many occasions. Also, close to George's heart, was his direct and impassioned leadership in Terre Haute, Indiana of Junior Achievement. George's professional career association with the Terre Haute Exchange Club and their good will far reaching in the community, was always an allegiance closely held by George, especially his "Bikes for Tikes" program with Rose Hulman engineering students. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to George and Lorraine's extraordinary caregivers, Tracy Hoopingarner, Mikki Gossar, Debbie Caldwell, Danielle Hoopingarner and Angie Woods, as well as thanking Hospice of the Wabash Valley for their peerless care and assistance. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street with Reverend Dawn Carlson and Pastor John Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled a half hour prior to services. Immediately following the service, a reception will follow at Idle Creek Banquet Center, 5353 Eldridge Road, Terre Haute. 812/299-5353. Arrangements can also be found at: www.callahanandhughes.com
