COLUMBUS
Glen Robert “Bob” Harden, 91, of Columbus, passed away on June 26, 2022, at Silver Oaks Health Campus. He was born on November 19, 1930, in Bartholomew County to Glen T. Harden and Blanch Settle Harden. He married Juanita McKim Harden on July 19, 1951. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2017.
Bob had many careers in his life. He managed the Columbus Youth Camp with his wife Juanita Harden for 22 years. Also, he served as the Bartholomew County Democratic Chairman and Councilman, as well as, a State Representative. Bob was also President of the County Park Board and the Superintendent of the County Highway Department. Bob was also involved with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation where he served as the Principal at Booth Setser and Kent Elementary School and taught at McKinley, Lincoln, and Clifford Elementary schools. After retiring, Bob was a bus driver for Head Start in Brown County, and also for Parkside Court and Senior Center in Bartholomew County. He also served as a minister at 2 small rural Methodist churches. He was also involved in various community committees. Alongside his many jobs, Bob also enjoyed farming and building houses. Bob and Juanita were very dedicated and committed faithful servants in Bartholomew County.
Bob is survived by his children, Valorie (Jeff) Shanks, of Milford, OH; Vickie Shanks, of Columbus, IN; Vanessa (Greg) Edwards, of Columbus, IN; Lisa Zeigler, of Columbus, IN; Magda (Tom) Timmons, of West Chester, OH; Jeff (Debbie) Harden, of Tennessee; grandchildren, Alyssa, Tracy, and Ben Shanks; Angie Wilson, Kim Joslin, Kelsey George, Allie Pickett, Nick Edwards, Shelby Edwards, April Retz, Zachary Zeigler, Kevin Timmons, and Kristen Timmons; great-grandchildren, Hunter Botts, Emily Wilson, Hayley Joslin, Breana Shanks, Mox Pickett, Brystol Pickett, Chamber Pickett, Dylan Ketner, Milo Edwards, Braelynn Browning, and Lucy Timmons; and great-great-grandchildren, Skyla and Stella Newland.
He is also survived by a brother, Larry (Barb) Harden, and a sister-in-law, Maxine (Jim) Harden.
Bob is preceded by his parents, Glen T. Harden and Blanch Settle Harden; spouse, Juanita McKim Harden; and siblings, Imogene (Hubert) McNealy, Pauline (Roy) Redmond, Evabelle (Chester) Zeigler, Isabelle (Harold) Shroer, Betty Lou (Robert) Yeley, Carolyn (Max) Luther, Jim Harden, and Max (Florence) Harden.
Visitation is from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday, July 14th at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 1 pm on July 14th also at the funeral home. Rev. Daryl Gressel will be officiating the service. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Bartholomew County Honors Guard.
Friends and family wishing may make memorials to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana and New Zion United Methodist Church.
You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a message of condolence for the family online at www.jewellrittman.com.
