Donald Joe Darden
Born April 5, 1943, along with twin brother, Ronald Jack Darden, to Jack
Darden and Lucille Coop Darden; Paternal grandparents, Silas Edward Darden,
Sr. and Eva Bigger Darden; Maternal grandparents, Elijah Warner Coop and
Manerva Lynch Coop; survived by brothers, Roy Alan Darden, Thomas Ray
Darden (Jo Ann), Ronald Jack Darden (Judy), Glenn H. Darden (Peggy),
Richard Boyd Darden (Carol), John Oliver Darden (Vina), and Dan Keith
Darden (Teresa).
Don is also survived by his wife of 53 years, Dianna Hall Darden and their
five children, LTC Greg Darden (Rosina) of Fayetteville, NC, Jack Avery
Darden (Manicia) of Nolensville, Emily Gail Darden-Kerr (Neil) of
Russellville, Kentucky, David Edward Darden (Rebecca) of Murfreesboro,
Steven Darden of Manhattan, NY and grandchildren, Harrison Paul Kerr,
Tendai Darden and Lucy Darden.
Don served in the United States Army, most notably during the Vietnam war,
and along with other awards received a Joint Service Commendation Medal as
well as an honorable discharge.
Don received a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State University
and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Tennessee.
His professional career included becoming the first Executive Director and
organizer of the South Central Tennessee Development District; he wrote the
charter forming the South Central Agency and served as its Chairman while
County Executive of Coffee County. He also served as City Manager of
Jefferson City; City Administrator of LaFollette; and Municipal Management
Consultant for the University of Tennessee {MTAS}, from which he retired in
2010. He provided technical assistance to Tennessee cities and taught
courses in municipal management, health insurance, and economic development
for the university. Don received the highest award given by the Institute
of Public Service of the University of Tennessee.
Don was a member of Harmony Baptist Church in Tullahoma. He taught Sunday
School for 50 Years in churches in Columbia, Tullahoma, and Jefferson City
and was a Deacon of Lincoln Heights, Grace Baptist, and Harmony Baptist
Church in Tullahoma.
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the
St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Don Darden Memorial Gift Fund
<https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=7336589&pg=personal&fr_id=39300>.
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=7336589&pg=personal&fr_id=39300
Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.
Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.