Charles “Ed” Edward Harden, 73, of Fithian, passed away at 12:57 p.m. Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.
Ed was born on July 2, 1948, in Danville, the son of Edwin and Eunice (Walker) Harden Jr. He is survived by two sons- Tom (Angi) Harden of Oakwood and Chad (Maria) Harden of Danville; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother- Kenny (Sue) Harden of Danville; two sisters- Mala Cadman of Fithian and Paula (Todd) Mitchell of Oakwood; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law- Bruce Cadman and nephew- Nick Cadman.
Ed graduated from Oakwood High School, in 1966. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1966 to 1968. Ed worked for over 30 years at Kraft Foods, in Champaign, until he retired. He was a huge supporter of Oakwood Football and he volunteered to film all their football games for over 25 years. Ed enjoyed fishing, watching movies, spending time with family, and going to his grandchildren’s games. He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys and Fighting Illini fan.
A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Dave Garver officiating. Burial will follow the service in Stearns Cemetery, in Fithian, with full military honors conducted by American Legion Post #210. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Ed’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.
