It is a time of sadness for the Morrow County community as they mourn the unexpected loss of their former sheriff and commissioner, Tom E. Harden, on Sunday evening, January 31, 2016, at the Morrow County Hospital following a brief illness.
On April 25, 1941, Tom was born in Marion County, Ohio, the oldest of three sons of the late Clarence C. Harden and Bertha (George) Harden Huneke. He was raised in Mount Gilead, where he graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the class of 1959, and served as their class president.
Shortly following high school, Tom followed his childhood dream of becoming a deputy sheriff with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department. He served as a deputy for over twenty years, until 1972 when he was proudly elected as sheriff of Morrow County. Tom had a huge heart and love for the people of the Morrow County, doing everything in his power to protect them. He also served as a member of the Buckeye Sheriff’s Association and National Sheriff’s Association.
Tom’s dedication to the Morrow County community continued as he served as a Morrow County Commissioner for two terms, retiring this past December of 2015. In total, Tom was a public servant of the community for over 48 years. Further, he served on the board of numerous organizations over the years, some of which being: Mount Gilead Masonic Lodge #206, United Way of Morrow County, Morrow County Farm Bureau, and Seniors on Center. He also was a staunch republican and member of the Morrow County Republican Party, and served on the central committee for many years as the representative from Franklin Township.
On November 19, 1984, Tom married the love of his life, Pat Neff Harden. They were by each other’s side and cherished their thirty one years together.
A man of faith, Tom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he again served the church in many capacities.
Outside of his love for the community, Tom was an avid shopper, often adding to his many collections. He was a “die hard” Ohio State University Buckeye fan, enjoyed traveling and feeding the birds at his home. Tom especially cherished his grandchildren, and loved watching them play ball.
Having never met a stranger, Tom loved running into his countless friends everywhere he went…and the further from home the better the story for Tom. He was a fun loving man, who always had a smile on his face, a story for you, and would show concern for you and your family. He will be deeply missed.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pat Harden; two daughters: Candace (Mike) Irwin, and Samantha (Ken) Kanniard; four grandchildren: Ethan and Cassady Irwin, and Mackenna and Parker Kanniard; two brothers: Larry (Brenda) Harden and Earl (Alice) Harden; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companions: Jackson and Crystal.
Including his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his step-father, Jim Huneke.
His family will greet Tom’s many friends from 3 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3rd, at the Gilead Friends Church, 3613 Twp. Rd. 115, Mount Gilead, with Masonic services following at the end of the visitation. Services honoring his life and dedicated service will also be observed there at 11 a.m. on Thursday, with Rev. Deb Bowsher officiating. Burial will follow in Iberia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tom Harden Memorial Fund, and they can be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Tom’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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