George W. Harden, Sr.

George W. Harden, Sr., 81, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2018 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Memorial Services will be held at 6 pm, Thursday, July 26 at Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6, prior to the services, at the funeral home. He will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date. George was born On January 20, 1937 in Ottawa to Ben and Marie (Hicks) Harden. He married Barbara Johnson on July 1, 1956 in Ottawa. George worked as a farmhand for his family, then worked for Bakelite, Starved Rock Lodge, and River Shores Nursing Home. He enjoyed going for coffee, planting flowers, gardening, and camping. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barb; two children, Diane Harden and George Harden, Jr., both of Streator; three grandkids, Brian Jr., John, and Amy; four great-grandkids, Kaden, Willow, Randall, and Jeremy; and two siblings, Lila Distin and Dan (Judy) Harden, both of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by two sons, Brian Sr. and Michael Wayne; and three brothers, Kenny, Gene, and David. Memorials may be directed to his family.