Russell Andrew Barden

Age 90, of Michigan Center , went to be with the Lord peacefully at his home October 12, 2020 surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice. He is survived by his wife of 65 years; Willia Jean (maiden-VanDusen) Barden, four children; Mark Andrew (Deb) Barden, Cindy Ann (Daniel) Richardson and Sherri Lynn Stairs, Thane (Deb) Barden and son-in-law; David Stairs. Russ had nine grandchildren who he adored dearly; Mark (Carmen) Barden, Eric (Jennifer) Barden, Kerra (Corey) Quintanilla, Cody (Francia) Richardson, Cheyanne Stairs, Joshua Richardson, Katie (Mark) Crego, Betsy Barden and Mary (Will) Payne, fourteen great-grandchildren; Jacob, Kaiden, London, Miguel, Stella , Blake, Ty, Brody, Hannah, Kyle (Kenzie) Santiago, Austin, Stephen and Brayden, very special nephew and niece; Curt Barden and Joyce (Jerry) Steiner. He was preceded in death by his parents; Jesse and Esher (maiden-Whitney) Barden, brother; Jim 'Jiggs" Barden, grandson Rory, in laws; Lee and Dorothy VanDusen, Phyllis and Dale Swihart, Bud and Chloe VanDusen and Judy Battleshaw. Russell was born January 9, 1930 in Rives Junction, graduated from Leslie High School Class of 1949, served in the US Army 1949 to 1953 where he earned his honorable discharge as a Master Sergeant. After his military service he met the love of his life and married her in 1954. He had several manufacturing jobs including Walker Muffler where he worked 28 years until they closed and then retired from Handley Industries in 1993. He was a member of the Michigan Center Lions Club for 38 years. He collected for the White Cane Drive, helped weigh the carp at the Carp Carnival and enjoyed working the Lions Gate at MIS for many years. His many interests included hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, playing euchre, bingo, casino visits and the daily lottery. He was a devoted husband and father who loved being with his family, at picnics he was famous for his talent in cooking chicken. He loved people, helping one and all whether he knew them or not. He loved to party, have a good time and never had a dull moment. He was a true Michigan Fan, wearing the Blue and Maize, enjoyed Tiger Baseball and all sports, especially the ones his grandchildren competed in. In his last days he enjoyed sitting outside on his Veterans Administration Ramp and visiting with the neighbors. The family also wants to thank the neighbors for their kindness and Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice for their wonderful care, specifically nurse Missy K. He had many friends and special cousins; Yvette VanDusen, Hope and Trevor Swartz and Rick and Lee Long. They took Russ and Jean out every Friday and Saturday for dinner and Club Keno. The family wants to thank them for the good times. Services with COVID Protocols will be held at the funeral home Wednesday October 21, 2020 at 1 pm with Chaplain Greg Grotbeck, HFA Hospice, officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until service time. Interment Leoni Cemetery. Graveside Military honors will be offered by the Jackson County American Legion Ritual Team. Contributions in his memory are directed to the Michigan Center Lions Club.

Russell Andrew Barden

January 9, 1930 - October 12, 2020