Courtland – Russell Edward Darden, 73, died May 5, 2009 at Southampton Memorial Hospital. Born in Richmond and raised in Emporia, he was the son of the late Watkins Risup and Gertrude Day Darden. Russell, an Army veteran, was retired from Union Camp Corporation and was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church where he was a lay reader. He was a life member of the Virginia Jaycees, an Eagle Scout and Scout Master of Troop 28, Vigil honor-Order of the Arrow and Silver Beaver recipient. He was charter commander of the Urquhart-Gillette Sons of Confederate Veterans and past commander of the Army of Northern Virginia SCV. A member of the Archaeological Society of Virginia, he served as past State President and State Treasurer and was a charter member of the Point Lookout Descendent Organization.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 50 years, Frances (Pam) Phelps Darden; two daughters, Elizabeth D. Francis and husband, Keith, of Sedley and Kathryn D. Holland and husband, Chris, of Hillsboro, Oregon; a son, Robert E. Darden and wife, Sheila, of Courtland; a sister, Delight D. Andrews and husband, Glen, of Rocky Mt., NC; eight grandchildren, Walt and Sarah Francis, Rachael and Rebecca Holland, and Taylor Ann, Robb Jr., Hunter and Alexandra Darden.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church with the Rev. James W. Browder, III officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.
The family will receive friends today (Thursday) at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and suggests memorials be made to the Mahone Tavern and Museum, Inc., P.O. Box 565, Courtland, VA 23837, the Courtland Fire and Rescue Squad or a favorite charity.