Tony Joe Carden, 74, of Mexia, passed away Oct. 27, 2017 in Waco surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Bro. Michael Symank officiating. Graveside services with Military Honors will follow in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Mabank. James Knight, Scott Watts, Mike Carpenter, Larry Branch and Bobby Jack Liles will serve as pallbearers.
Tony was born Aug. 16, 1943 in Malakoff to Euric and Violet Gaston Carden. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Tony retired from Lone Star Gas Company after 30 years of service as Service Superintendent.
Tony was a wonderful caregiver. He took care of Molly, his first wife of 40 years, as she battled and, eventually, lost her life to cancer. He then, married Mary Carroll and took good care of her during her battle with cancer; she is now a cancer survivor.
Tony was devoted to his family, a loving husband, father, grandfather and good friend to many. He was had an outgoing personality, always friendly and made friends easily. He enjoyed sharing stories, over and over, especially about his days of growing up on a farm, the day they got indoor plumbing and his first experience with air-conditioning. He liked to tinker with fixing anything and really welcomed the challenge of repairing things that others discarded. Tony was an avid motorcycle rider, loved watching John Wayne movies, playing dominoes and making wind chimes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Molly Carden; granddaughter, Bethany Kerby; and brothers, R. E. and Royce Fugate.
Tony is survived by his wife, Mary Carden of Mexia; children, Joe Carden and wife, Dee Dee of Temple, Dan Carden of Midlothian, James Knight and wife, Audra of Mexia and Angela Godwin and husband, Chris of Kingman, Ariz.; grandchildren, Devan Carden, Michael Watts, Scott Watts, James Carden, Ryan Kerby, Colin Kerby, Isaiah Kerby, Kylie Kerby, Molly Carden, Teneal Gray, Taylor Gray, Claude James Knight and Luther Allen Knight; and brother Ray Carden and wife, Pat of Lindale.
Memorials may be made to Providence Hospice in Waco, Relay For Life or any Cancer Fund of choice.
Visit blair-stubbs.com to sign the guest book or leave a message of condolence.