Val J. (Jerry) Harden, 82, Oklahoma City, OK quietly passed away on Friday, February 25, 2011.

Jerry was born in Eastland, TX on September 17, 1928 to Chester Maguire & Celia Margaret (Kribbs) Harden. While attending college, he met his soul mate and true love, Barbara Reynolds. They were united in marriage on June 21, 1953 in Fromberg, MT.

Through his years, Jerry has lived to serve God in many ways within the First Presbyterian Church in Gillette, the Presbytery and Synod and in his communities. Gideon's International was especially meaningful to him and he thoroughly enjoyed handing out testaments to children. Jerry and his wife have served many years with Volunteers in Mission (VIM) with the Presbyterian Church in Brazil, in several locations in the United States, finally settling with a Native American school, Cook College in Tempe, AZ. Moving to Phoenix in 2000, he actively participated in University Presbyterian Church as an Elder and Deacon and on other committees.

In June 2010, they moved to Oklahoma City, OK. Jerry & his wife were foster parents to many children. One of his lasting legacies is the YES (Youth Emergency Services) House in Gillette, WY where he & his wife were among the original founders. Jerry coached baseball teams in Casper and Gillette, WY and was active with Job's Daughters, serving as Associate Guardian. He also shared his love of baseball and trains with his four children and six grandchildren.

Surviving Jerry are his wife of almost 58 years, Barbara; his daughters, Suzanne Alger, Spearfish, SD, Elizabeth Willner (Jon), Oklahoma City, OK, and Betsy Hauk, Spearfish, SD; and his son Patrick Harden of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren Benjamin, Alicia, Jesse, Corina, Joshua and Nina; sisters Joyce Johnson, Casper, WY and Judy Humiston, Portland ,OR and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, brother Joe and aunt/stepmother Helen Havely Harden.

Published in Arizona Republic ~ March 1, 2011

May he rest in peace.

Richard Williams