Larry Harden

Larry Charles Harden age 76, of Erie, transitioned from labor to reward on June 21, 2016.

He was born in Laurel, MS on August 13, 1939, a son of the late William and Mary (Curry) Harden.

He was a 1958 graduate of Strong Vincent High School and served his country in the United States Army Reserve.

He worked as a production manager in the tool and die industry and worked for Swanson for 42 years and then for Isaac Baker Menswear for six years, until finally retiring in 2015.

He was a singer, singing in the group Classmates in the 1960’s. He played tennis, and was a star basketball player on a traveling team. He played on the first All Black basketball team from Erie at Gridley Jr. High and worked on the Big Brother Program. He also enjoyed yard work.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, George, William Jr. (Bill), Robert, Henry, and Curtis Harden; four sisters, Willie Mae Giles, Ruth McMillan, Lillie Mae Harden and Gwendolyn Foster.

He is survived by his spouse, Ruth Barnes Harden, two sisters, Olive Ray Crumbly (James D., Sr.) and Betty Reed (Bruce D.), and a brother Richard Harden (Irell).

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home 602 W. 10th Street (at Cherry St.) today, Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and are invited to a service at Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St. on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Cherry Street Church of God, 302 Cherry Street Erie, PA 16507.

Burial will be in Erie Cemetery.