Raymond A. Darden Sr.

Raymond Darden Sr. was born December 11, 1935, to Lloyd & Margaret Darden in Gary Indiana. At a young age of 10 he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at First Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. When he relocated to Dayton, Ohio in 2003, he and his wife joined St. Timothy Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Alonzo Looney Sr. Raymond received 12 years of education and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1954 in Gary, Indiana. Following his High School graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy from 1955-1961. He was on reserve duty until 1962 where he received his honorable discharge. He worked as an electrician mate third class and took a course in firefighting. He trained in San Diego, California and served in Boston, Massachusetts on the USS Wasp. He also worked at Bethlehem Steel Mill for several years. In his leisure time he loved to swim, collect records, and play the trumpet. Toward the end of his journey, he strived to memorize the ten commandments. Raymond met his wife, Viola Darden at the tender age of 12 and they have been inseparable ever since. They married 10 years later in Boston, Massachusetts on the USS Wasp. Their marriage produced 6 children. On November 7th, 2023, Raymond Sr. heard the call of his heavenly father and received his wings into eternal glory. He was proceeded in death by his father: Lloyd, mother: Margaret, siblings: John (better known as Jackie) and Jacqueline, grandchild: Dennis Best Jr., and cousins: Geneva and Paul, He leaves to cherish his memories, wife: Viola, children: Sharon, Raymond Jr. (Kim), Norton (Maria Alicia), Dana (Calvin bonus son), Michael (Chlore), and T’Vantrese (Regina), and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral service 11 am Friday, November 17, 2023, at St. Timothy Missionary Baptist Church, 4466 Free Pike, Dayton, Ohio.  Visitation 10 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends.  Interment Monday, November 20, 2023, at Dayton National Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.

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