LEXINGTON - Claude Franklin Barden, age 87, of Lexington, died on Sunday, October 23, 2011 following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. While he lost this earthly battle, he won the ultimate victory through his faith in Jesus Christ. A service to celebrate Claude’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Lexington Baptist Church, with burial following in Woodridge Memorial Park. Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Claude is survived by his wife, Suzanne Allison Barden; a brother, Millard Barden (Lucille) of Union Grove, AL and a sister, Anne Barden Whitehurst (Lonnie) of Columbus, GA; his children, Stephen Barden (Cindy) of Columbia, Judy Barden Shelley (Rick) of Conway, and Jean Barden Morgan (Joel) of Lexington; his grandchildren, Erin Shelley Love (David), Neal Shelley (Emily), Daniel Barden (SuSu), Nate Morgan, Cara Morgan, Patrick Shelley, and Melissa Morgan Denny (Zack); his two great-grandchildren, Rachel and Alex; his step-children, David Allison (Wanda) of Columbia, Jon Allison (Stacy) of Ringold, GA, and Mark Allison (Meghann) of Andrews Air Force Base, MD; his step-grandchildren, Erin Allison, Jennifer Allison Dresser (Nick), Brittany Allison, and Katherine Allison. Claude was predeceased by his first wife, Rachel Abbott Barden, and a brother, Maston Barden.
Born in Esto, Florida, Claude served in the Army Infantry in the Philippines during WWII. He earned the rank of Sergeant First Class and received a Purple Heart for his service to his country. After military service, Claude enrolled in the University of Florida where he was inducted into the Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and, in 1950, earned a B.S. degree in Forestry.
After working with International Paper Company in Panama City, Florida, Claude accepted a position with the SC Forestry Commission in 1951. He served in Kingstree, Spartanburg, as District Forester in Orangeburg, and in Information and Education in the Columbia office. In 1978 Claude became the Assistant State Forester/Administration; in 1980 he became the Executive Assistant to the State Forester and served as a liaison to the SC Legislature, US Congress, and to state and federal agencies.
Claude has been a member and officer of the Society of American Foresters since 1952 and in 1987 he received the national “FELLOW” award. He was a member of the SC Land Resources Conservation Commission serving as the Commissioner in 1979; a member of the Soil and Water Conservation District, holding several key positions; a member of the Conservation Education Committee, and was named a Conservation District Commission Emeritus.
Claude received an Honorary State Farmer degree in 1964; was named the Forest Conservationist of the Year in 1977; received the Outstanding Conservationist Award from the East Piedmont Association of Conservation Districts in 1979; and won the Annual Award for Outstanding Dedication to Environmental Education in 1992 from the Environmental Education Association of SC.
Claude had a special love for his church family at Lexington Baptist Church, where he had been a member since 1965. While he was blessed with good health, he was an active member, serving as deacon and Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday school teacher, usher, and participating in various youth and adult mission trips. He was also a member of the Gideons International where he held several offices.
After the birth of his grandson, Nate, Claude helped found Family Connection of SC, an organization for families of children with special needs.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Helping Hands, Heartstrings Hospice, Warriors Walk at Dorn VA Medical Center, and many special caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Family Connection of SC, Gideons International, Lexington West Camp, or Lexington Baptist Church.
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