Legacy
Donald Ray Harden
1944 - 2024

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path ... Proverbs 3:5-6

Donald Ray Harden, born on September 4, 1944, in Camilla, Texas, was a man of faith and dedication. He was the beloved son of Sherman Harden, Sr., and Thelma Mae Taylor-Harden. Donald's early years were spent in the Settegast Community in Houston, Texas.

Donald received his religious foundation at an early age under the guidance of his uncle, the late Elder R. L. Norton Sr., founder of Norton Temple Memorial COGIC. He graduated from B.C. Elmore High School in 1963, where he excelled in basketball, track, and band. He briefly attended Texas Southern University before serving his country in the United States Army from 1968 to 1974 as an Army Security Agent, earning an honorable discharge.

After his military service, Donald was employed with the United States Postal Service for eight years and later retired from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) after 35 years of dedicated service. In 1978, he married Carolyn Crumedy, and together they raised three sons in Humble, Texas.

In 1983, Donald joined Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon and later as a Minister. He pursued theological studies at Union Baptist Bible Seminary, earning a bachelor's degree in theology. In May 1999, he founded the Unity First Christian Fellowship Church, where he passionately preached and taught the Word of God.

Donald transitioned from his earthly life to be with his lord and savior on October 15, 2024.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Thelma, his brother Sherman, Jr., sisters Evelyn Harden Cade and Glenda Marshall, and nephews Joseph Washington and Brandon Washington.

He leaves behind his cherished wife of 46 years, Carolyn, his sons Patrick (LaQuietta), Xavier (Meredith), and Cedric (Angelique), grandchildren Jarian, Payton, Shylah (his one and only granddaughter), Zain, Zacchaeus (their mother Felicia), great-grandson Paxton, God-daughter Kristal, and the Unity First Church family.

He also leaves his siblings, Joel (Sylvia), Leesther, Sharon (Glenn), Linda, Cathy (Keith), Selvin (Evangeline), Patricia, and a large extended family of many other in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Visitation starting at 9 am followed by 11 am funeral service at New Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 4706 E. Mount Houston Rd., Houston, TX 77093 – Rev. Vincent Wilson, Pastor. Eulogist, Rev. Vernon Wright, Pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial will take place in Houston National (VA) Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038 - Gate time 1:30 pm.

Donald Ray Harden's legacy of faith, service, and love will be remembered by all who knew him. He leaves us with a promise of reunion in the life to come. "Bye for Now"