Joe B. Carden

Joe Bob Carden, 81, passed away on May 5, 2025, at Clear Sky Rehabilitation Hospital in Harker Heights, TX.  He was born on June 26, 1943, in Mineral Wells, TX and adopted by Faye Estelle Carden.

Funeral services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel, 201 E. 3rd St, Lampasas, TX, at 11 am on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, with visitation an hour prior.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Long Cove Cemetery in Lometa, TX.

Joe attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX, where he received a bachelor's degree in History. While at college, he met his wife, Dianne. They were married on March 12, 1965.

After college, Joe joined the Army and served in the Vietnam War.  He was also stationed along the North Korean DMZ, and was the recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and several other awards, decorations, and medals.  He spent most of his active duty years traveling back and forth between stations in Germany and the USA, always with his devoted wife Dianne and their daughters, Melissa and Teresa.  He retired after 28 years, achieving the rank of Colonel.

Joe found civilian employment after his military retirement as the Inspector General for the Arizona National Guard.  After thirteen happy years living in Tempe, AZ, Joe and Dianne finally fully retired in 2003 and moved to Lampasas, TX.  Joe and Dianne loved the community and their kind neighbors and were happy to have returned home to Texas after so many years of traveling.  Here they embarked upon new adventures together - raising chickens, gardening, and becoming loving grandparents. 

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Michael Joseph Carden, born July 26, 1969, died January 5, 1972.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dianne, who passed on March 2, 2022.  They enjoyed 20,809 days of marriage and endured 1,160 days apart before being reunited for eternity.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Melissa Carden and son-in-law, Justin Goltermann of Somerville, MA and his daughter, Teresa Wells of Jourdanton, TX; his brother, Donald Hawkins and sister-in-law, Sharron Hawkins of Pampa, TX; his granddaughter, Lauren Wells of San Antonio, TX; his nieces and nephews and other relatives, and his loyal dog, Barbie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a local food pantry, library, or animal rescue organization.