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BORN
1932
DIED
2002
Thad Harden Obituary
Memorial service: 2:45 p.m. Friday, March 1, at the D/FW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway (off Loop 12), Dallas, Texas 75211.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Texas NROTC Scholarship Fund, c/o University of Texas Exes, P.O. Box 7278, Austin, Texas 78713; or to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, Box 64978, Baltimore, Md., 21264.
Capt. Thad Harold Harden was born Oct. 26, 1932, in Hamlin, Texas. He graduated with a BS in architectural engineering in 1955 from the University of Texas, NROTC; earned Wings in flight training at Pensacola; second BS in communications-electronics from U.S. Naval Postgraduate school at Monterey in 1964. A 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, his honorable service included duties as a night fighter pilot; operations officer aboard the USS Osborne; executive officer aboard the USS Henderson; fleet communications officer for the commander of the 7th fleet aboard the USS Providence and the USS Oklahoma City during Vietnam; the commanding officer of two naval communications bases: Cheltenham, Maryland and Nea Makri, Greece; service in the Office of the Navy satellite communications coordinator; chief of joint tactical C3 systems with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Among his medals: the Bronze Star (with combat "V"), the Navy Commendations Medal (combat "V"), the Vietnam Service Medal (with two Silver Stars and four Bronze Stars).
Following retirement, he was communications advisor for ARINC Research Corp. and Stanford Telecommunications.
He loved life, the U.S. Navy, classical music, jazz, his golden retrievers, bird watching, photography, gourmet food, and sharing the good life with family and friends.
Survivors: His wife of 45 years, Beverly Bushfield Harden; five children, Leslie Jernigan of Dallas, Sheryl Peyton of Austin, Marcia Harden-Scheel of New York City, Thaddeus Harden of New York City and Stephanie Harden-O'Brien of San Francisco; and 10 grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thad Harden
Thad, Beverly, Josh and. Emily were next door neighbors for a few years. They were great friends and excellent neighbors. I had many conversations with Thad. We shared many common beliefs on philosophy, politics and other topics. We really enjoyed our relationship and hated to see them move. Many warm memories and we still miss them.
Chuck Foudree
Chuck Foudree
February 22, 2023
Gordon and I were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Gordon and Nonie Sparks
March 25, 2002
I was shocked to hear of Thad's death. We served together on the Henderson in 67-68 and had found each other on the internet 4 years ago.
My condolences to Beverly and his family.
Joseph Quinn
March 8, 2002
My sympathy goes out to the family. I was fortunate enough to know Thad through the ARINC years and later in Ft Worth where we both worked with the FAA. No matter how bad your day might have been after talking with Thad for a few minutes you went away feeling good about the world. God Bless
Cal Phillips
March 3, 2002
Even though it has been years since the Harden family has lived in Hamlin, I am saddened to hear of his loss, and pray for comfort to his family. The Harden family contributed greatly to the history and vitality of our community.
Cheryl Lewis
March 2, 2002
Our love and prayers are with you in your time of loss. God bless you. "Thy eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...." Deuteronomy 33:27
Kenneth and Carole Hanson
March 1, 2002
I had the privilege of working with Thad at ARINC. We shared many talks about the Navy. He will be missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RMCM, USN(Ret.)
Dave Robertson
March 1, 2002
Condolences to the Thad Harden family from one of the "old" ARINC and STEL gang. It was always a pleasure working with Thad along with socializing during and after our ARINC national conferences. We had some good times. Thad will be missed.
kenith Meissner
March 1, 2002
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
Rusty and Belva Hanson
February 28, 2002
We are saddened at the loss of a great friend and neighbor who shared many of the same values. Our sympathy to all the members of the Harden Family.
Chuck and Colleen Foudree
February 28, 2002
Wayne and I are sorry for the family's loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Wayne and June Heinze
June Heinze
February 28, 2002
Hannah and I are greatly saddened at your loss but also aware of Uncle Thad's relief.
Love
Noel Dean Hanson
February 28, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
Tara Hanson Bradbury
February 28, 2002
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Thad's family.
Linda Everhart
February 28, 2002
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