COURTLAND— Commander Russel Darden died at 73 years on Tuesday 19th 2009. Funeral services for the longtime member of Sons of Confederate Veterans are set for 2 p.m. Friday 22nd at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Tommy Simmons, a good friend of Russel Darden, tells that death was sudden, he had a fall at his home. Mr. Simmons is the commander of the Urquhart-Gillette SCV chapter.
Farewell to Courtland
“We are very shocked and saddened at the sudden and most untimely loss of our dear friend and compatriot,” Simmons said. “He was an inspiration to all who knew or ever came in contact with him. He certainly will be missed.”
Charter commander of the Urquhart-Gillette camp, a renowned army veteran and past commander of the famed Army of Northern Virginia SCV, Russel Darden is sure to be missed by family, friends and all the military in the area.
The SCV has had him for quite some time now, looking at the records one can find that Russel Edward Darden joined on September 1952. His age was only 18.
Bryan Sharp, national membership coordinator:
“He was always working for the betterment of the organization”. He adds: “If you needed anything, all you had to do was ask Russell. He was the kind of member I wish we had 100 of. He will be sadly missed.”
SCV Logo
In true military fashion, Russel Darden will be memorialized with a Confederate funral and three-gun salute and Taps.
More on Russel Darden: A member of the Archaeological Society of Virginia, he served as past state president and state treasurer and was a charter member of the Point Lookout Descendent Organization. He also was member of the Virginia Jaycees, an Eagle Scout and Scout Master of Troop 28, Vigil honor-Order of the Arrow and Silver Beaver recipient.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Frances (Pam) Phelps Darden; two daughters, Elizabeth D. Francis and husband, Keith, of Sedley and Kathryn D. Holland and husband, Chris, of Hillsboro, Oregon; a son, Robert E. Darden and wife, Shelia, of Courtland; a sister, Delight D. Andrews and husband, Glen, of Rocky Mt., NC; eight grandchildren, Walt and Sarah Francis, Rachael and Rebecca Holland, and Taylor Ann, Robb Jr., Hunter and Alexandra Darden.
His family announced visits for those that were close to the late Commander Darden today, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin.
Memorials be made to the Mahone Tavern and Museum Inc., P.O. Box 565, Courtland, VA 23837, the Courtland Fire and Rescue Squad or a favorite charity with connections to military, public service or archeology fields.
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