George W. Harden Sr.

OTTAWA — George W. Harden Sr., 81, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, July 21, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory with the Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. prior to services Thursday at the funeral home. He will be buried at a later date in Oakwood Memorial Park.

George was born Jan. 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 Rivershores 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.

The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at ottawafuneralhome.com.

Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory

1111 La Salle St., Ottawa, IL 61350

815-433-0300 ottawafuneralhome.com