Carl Carden, 86, of Abingdon, Va., passed away Thursday, January 29, 2015, at the Community Living Center of the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, following a brief illness.
Mr. Carden was a native of Hampton. Although he loved traveling the world and lived in numerous places from the Pacific to the Atlantic, Carl spent the majority of his adult life in Abingdon.
Mr. Carden served in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman during the Korean War.
Following his service time, Carl’s love of flying led him on numerous paths. He was a pilot and former manager of the Southwest Virginia Highlands Airport. He was an accomplished commercial photographer, who always embraced new challenges.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wallace Carden.
He is survived by his son, Danny Carden and daughter-in-law, Lisa “Beets” Walker Brandes, Charlotte, N.C.; his daughter, Rhonda Honaker and son-in-law, Ed Honaker, Abingdon; his grandchildren, Logan and Reagan Honaker, Abingdon, Ryan Brandes, Charlotte, and Lauren Brandes, Fairfax, Va.; cousin, Mary Curtis, her husband, J.B., and their son, Jerry; good friend, Dixie McVey-Jolly; and special canine companions, Bella and Jill.
The family would like to extend a very special “thank you” to the nursing staff, caregivers and physicians at the V.A.
The graveside service with military honors for Mr. Carden will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Tuesday, February 3, at 1 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to your local animal shelter. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.
Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Avenue Johnson City, (423) 928-6111, is serving the Carden family.