Charles F. "Charlie" Barden, 44 passed away at 8:12 a.m. Saturday Sept. 19, 2009, at his residence. He was born Nov. 3, 1964, in South Haven, MI., the son of Novella S. (Clark) and Karl F. Barden, who survive in South Haven, MI. On May 10, 1986, he married Rebecca M. "Becky" Lenhart, who survives in Uniopolis, OH. Other survivors include two sons, Adam and Alex Barden; a daughter, Megan Barden, all at home; a brother Brian (Claudia) Barden, of Jamestown, NC and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Barden was a 1983 graduate of L.C. Mohr High School, in South Haven, MI., where he was president of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He then received his associate's degree in auto and diesel technology from Northwestern Business College-Technical Center, in Lima. He worked 14 years with Advance-Agra Solutions as a maintenance millwright. He enjoyed farming and working on his family fruit farm, Barden Bros. Inc., with his father, grandfather and uncle. He was also a lifetime member of the Michigan State Horticulture Society. Barden got his start in the fire service with Casco Township Volunteer Fire Department of Michigan, in 1980. He was a member of the Uniopolis Volunteer Fire Department for the past 21 years, and was elected Fire Chief in 2009. For five years, he had taught fire fighting classes at the Apollo Career Center, in Lima. He was a member of the Uniopolis United Methodist Church, where he served as chair of the Board of Trustees and was on the Carpenters for Christ Mission Team. Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 at the First Congregational Church in South Haven, MI., with Rev. George Fleming officiating Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com