Artie Harden

Artie Harden, 57, of Austin, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, November 26, 2019.  A Home-Going Celebration will be conducted at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, under the auspices of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, on Saturday, December 7th at 11:00 AM with the Reverends, R.W. Carter and Luchus McShan presiding.  Interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Sayers, Texas.

Obituary

Artie Baxter Harden was born on December 26, 1961, at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas, and passed away peacefully on November 26, 2019, in the presence of his youngest brother. Artie was the oldest child born to Mozell (Mose) and Ruth (Reese) Harden in Austin, Texas. Artie professed his love for Christ at a very early age, joined the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Bastrop, Texas, and was baptized under the direction of the late Pastor E.R. McShan. He continued to attend church and grow his love for Christ at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church throughout his childhood and teenage years.

Artie attended elementary school at Ortega Elementary in Austin, Texas, and graduated in 1980 from Stephen F. Austin High School (Go Maroons).  In high school, Artie was known as a people person who never met a stranger, and had droves of friends. While in high school, he also enrolled in drafting and industrial construction classes since he always had an interest and love for working with his hands as he and his brothers began working with and shadowing their father at an early age. After graduation from high school, Artie enrolled in Austin Community College to learn more about the building construction trade and to obtain his certification and licensure. During his career, between the years of 1985-1987, Artie was employed by the City of Austin Electrical Department as a Substation Mechanical Drafter. Artie and his family relocated to Florida in 1987 and resided there for many years. While in Florida, Artie attended Tallahassee Community College and studied Building Construction Management. He also worked as a Billboard Advertisement Installer for Reagan Outdoor Advertising while living in Florida. Artie returned to Texas in the early 2000’s as he was always a Texan at heart, and began pursuing a degree at Austin Community College to obtain his certification as a Journeyman Electrician. Artie continued to work in the electrical field, and used his talents in and around the Austin and surrounding areas to perform contracting jobs. Artie also used the skills he learned from his father by working as a carpenter for various private and commercial companies throughout his adult life.

Artie leaves to cherish his memory his parents Mose and Ruth Harden of Austin, Texas; two (2) daughters – Alijah (Dereke) Christopher of Kyle, Texas and Chariah Harden of Houston, Texas; two (2) grandsons – Aiden Harden-Cheeves and Zacarias Christopher; one sister – Jerline Harden of Austin, Texas; four (4) brothers –  Clarence (Patricia) Harden of Houston, Texas, Cecil (Marilyn) Harden of Round Rock, Texas, Eric (Cheryl) Harden of Cedar Creek, Texas and Andrew (Sherrie) Harden of Buda, Texas, and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Artie was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Isom and Viola Reese, paternal grandparents Sandy and Annie Harden, and sister Thelma “Tubby” Fowler.

As a native Texan, Artie was a natural outdoorsman, handyman, an avid wrestling fan. Artie was most happy when he was in the presence of his grandson Aiden, gazing in the eyes of his newborn grandson, and spending time with family and close friends. Artie will forever be remembered for helping others, working hard, and never giving up. For all these qualities and more, Artie made a lasting impression on each and every one of us, and will live in our hearts and minds forever.