Biography: Stuart Jergen Barden, 100, died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, at Presbyterian Village Lodge in Little Rock. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 24, 1915, to Gjeordina K. M. J?rgensen and Dean Elborn Barden. He was raised with his five siblings in St. Joseph, Missouri, and graduated there from Lafayette High School where he ran track and played violin in the school orchestra. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 72 years, Thelma Ethel Dowell, and son Paul, to whom he devoted 42 years after Paul's injury in an accident. Surviving family include: sister, Ruth and husband George Dennis; children: Lawrence and wife Louise, Kathleen and husband Bruce Wesson, Michael, Stephen; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, Stuart?s active duty in Europe during World War II required his combat equipment recovery unit to follow invasion forces through France and Belgium to Germany. He was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict and served more than two decades in the Army Reserve, giving 25 years of military service to his country. In 1975 Stuart retired from his civilian career of 39 years as a finance officer with the Veterans Administration. After retirement, Stuart volunteered his professional expertise to assist individuals prepare their income tax returns. He served as Scout Master of Boy Scouts of America, Little Rock Troop 39, from 1956-1965. His example of patriotism, discipline and leadership helped prepare many young Scouts for the challenges of life. The Bardens resided in the Westover Hills neighborhood for 58 years and were charter members of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. Stuart was an avid gardener who loved to share plants. Stuart?s steadfast commitment to family and community, his independent personality and his quiet, quick, dry humor will be missed. When recently asked by his Arkansas Hospice nurse, ?May I take your blood pressure??, he replied, ?Are you going to keep it?? A heartfelt thanks to all the staff of Presbyterian Village who assisted Mom and Dad during the eight years they made it their home. The family is thankful for the loving care of dedicated caregivers who made it possible for him to stay in ?his home? at PV the last 18 months of his life. A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 16, at Presbyterian Village Lodge, 510 Brookside Drive in Little Rock. Stuart?s ashes will be placed with Thelma?s at Natural Steps Shady Grove Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Village or Quapaw Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, 3220 Cantrell Rd., L.R., AR 72202. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com