Glen Robert "Bob" Harden
November 19, 1930 ~ June 26, 2022
Glen Robert “Bob” Harden, 91, of Columbus, passed away on June 26, 2022, at Silver Oaks Health Campus. He was born on November 19, 1930, in Bartholomew County to Glen T. Harden and Blanch Settle Harden. He married Juanita McKim Harden on July 19, 1951. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2017.
Bob had many careers in his life. He managed the Columbus Youth Camp with his wife Juanita Harden for 22 years. Also, he served as the Bartholomew County Democratic Chairman and Councilman, as well as, a State Representative. Bob was also President of the County Park Board and the Superintendent of the County Highway Department. Bob was also involved with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation where he served as the Principal at Booth Setser and Kent Elementary School and taught at McKinley, Lincoln, and Clifford Elementary schools. After retiring, Bob was a bus driver for Head Start in Brown County, and also for Parkside Court and Senior Center in Bartholomew County. He also served as a minister at 2 small rural Methodist churches. He was also involved in various community committees. Alongside his many jobs, Bob also enjoyed farming and building houses. Bob and Juanita were very dedicated and committed faithful servants in Bartholomew County.
Bob is survived by his children, Valorie (Jeff) Shanks, of Milford, OH; Vickie Shanks, of Columbus, IN; Vanessa (Greg) Edwards, of Columbus, IN; Lisa Zeigler, of Columbus, IN; Magda (Tom) Timmons, of West Chester, OH; Jeff (Debbie) Harden, of Tennessee; grandchildren, Alyssa, Tracy, and Ben Shanks; Angie Wilson, Kim Joslin, Kelsey George, Allie Pickett, Nick Edwards, Shelby Edwards, April Retz, Zachary Zeigler, Kevin Timmons, and Kristen Timmons; great-grandchildren, Hunter Botts, Emily Wilson, Hayley Joslin, Breana Shanks, Mox Pickett, Brystol Pickett, Chamber Pickett, Dylan Ketner, Milo Edwards, Braelynn Browning, and Lucy Timmons; and great-great-grandchildren, Skyla and Stella Newland.
He is also survived by a brother, Larry (Barb) Harden, and a sister-in-law, Maxine (Jim) Harden.
Bob is preceded by his parents, Glen T. Harden and Blanch Settle Harden; spouse, Juanita McKim Harden; and siblings, Imogene (Hubert) McNealy, Pauline (Roy) Redmond, Evabelle (Chester) Zeigler, Isabelle (Harold) Shroer, Betty Lou (Robert) Yeley, Carolyn (Max) Luther, Jim Harden, and Max (Florence) Harden.
Visitation is from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday, July 14th at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 1 pm on July 14th also at the funeral home. Rev. Daryl Gressel will be officiating the service. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Friends and family wishing may make memorials to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana and New Zion United Methodist Church.
You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a message of condolence for the family online at www.jewellrittman.com.
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…Larry and families..be comforted knowing Bob’s journey is complete and he is resting with our LORD…Patricia Voelz-Sandlin ’57..
Mr. Harden was my grade school principal. He was so kind to me, and many others throughout his life. We would run into each often in life, including the maternity ward when his daughter and I had babies on the same day. We shared stories, talked real estate and family. I always appreciated that Bob and Juanita were a part of my life.
Sending much love to Bob and Juanita’s family.
Trish Robbins-Ward
Mr. Harden was my principal at Kent Elementary. He was always so kind and loving. Heaven has gained an amazing angel.
Chuck, Karina and all at FFY purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Glen Robert “Bob” Harden.
Mr. Harden was my grade school principal. He always knew who I was when I ran into him out in public years after I attended elementary and even years after I graduated high school. He was an amazing person and so kind. He will be missed. Fly high Mr. Harden!
Mr. Harden was my 5th grade teacher at McKinley and one of my favorite teachers ever. He was such a kind person. My sincere condolences to his family.
Bob lived at Silver Oaks on my mother’s unit. He always had a quick smile for everyone and loved life. He will always be a part of the “family” in Legacy Lane and is missed terribly.
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Glen Robert “Bob” Harden.
Magnificent Life Spray was purchased for the family of Glen Robert “Bob” Harden.
Bob was such a kind sweet man. I loved hearing his stories about his life and memories. He will truly be missed on the lane. Loved his smile and cheerful voice
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Bob is a good friend of mine. I just had surgery and can’t make it to his service. He was pillar of our community and I admired him. Dave M.
When Dad/Charles Settle needed to go to a nursing home, he went to Silver Oaks. I was hoping that Bob and dad could catch up on the gossip. Unfortunately, that did not happen as dad passed away on 02/01/22. But, I’m sure Bob, dad and Uncle Don, passed away 04/29/22 are sharing the gossip, racing John Deere Tractors and sharing farming tips. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Settle
I remember his big smile and carry for the caring for the children at Lincoln School his compassion and respect for everyone. Bob called me Mrs c, I was followed with a kind word and a smile!
Thank you Bob for your friendship…
In God’s love.
Julia Christopher
Dustin, Blu, Zach, Mary Lou, Jennifer & Dan purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Glen Robert “Bob” Harden.
I had Mr. Harden for 5th grade at McKinley. He was the best. Always smiling. I remember when he would read to us. I don’t think I missed a day of school that year because he was such a great and understanding teacher. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Nancy O’Neal