Al Harden, formerly of Covington, passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 82.
Harden was born on November 18, 1943, in Danville, Illinois, to the late Effrey Fritch and Thelma (Dixon) Harden.
Harden was a proud graduate of Covington High School, where he was a member of the 1960 historic basketball team that went deep into the state tournament and also played on the baseball team. His talent earned him a scholarship to Indiana University, where he played basketball for four years before graduating with his bachelor's degree.
His love for the game led him to become the first head basketball coach at Fountain Central High School from 1965 to 1970, where he also taught history. Harden later took his coaching skills to Colorado, serving as an assistant coach at the University of Denver before ascending to the role of head coach. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Harden was inducted into the Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
After his coaching days, he enjoyed a successful career as an executive at Converse Incorporated, where he signed pro athletes and coaches of all sports, including legendary athletes like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
In retirement, Harden found joy in his community and faith. He cherished his time attending Woodland Heights Christian Church in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he loved meeting new people and engaging with friends.
Harden is survived by his wife, Myrna Lynn (Coleman) Harden; two sons, Rob Harden of Covington, Indiana and Roger (Gina) Harden of Carrollton, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Joseph (Sarah) Harden of Georgetown, Kentucky, Rosalyn Harden of Tallahassee, Florida, Ryan Harden of Manhattan, New York, Ryan Cooley of Frankfort, Kentucky, Sarah (Tanner) Leigh of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and Olivia (Noah) McGhee of Bowling Green, Kentucky; and three great grandchildren, Collis Lillard, Cason Leigh and Naomi McGhee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Rodney Harden.
Visitation will be at Sterling Christian Church, 701 S Sterling Ave, in Veedersburg on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. till the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with Jon Elardo officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Covington.
