As Chaplain of the Urquhart-Gillette Camp #1471, in Courtland, Virginia, it is my sad duty to report to the SCV on the passing just now, of long-time devoted Confederate Compatriot, Russell Darden, of Courtland, Virginia. Russell had passed out, and was at Southampton Memorial Hospital when he died this evening. Russell put everything he had into fulfilling the Charge, and he was a true believer in The Cause. Our camp, the Virginia Division and the SCV in general have benefitted greatly by this man's untiring efforts. Of course, there are no plans as of yet, but information will be forthcoming as soon as feasible. Details will be forwarded through email. As I am not privvy to everyone's email addresses, the Camp would appreciate anyone who has a greater email address list, to forward this on to all those who would like to be informed of Russell's passing. Thank you.. Sincerely, Joseph R. Ferguson, Jr. Chaplain, U-G Camp #1471
I would also respectfully add that Mr. Darden was a Past Commander of the Virginia Division and a Past Commander of the ANV. Russell, in later years took-on the care & up-keep of Alberta Martin, who passed away at 97, in May of 2004, as the last known widow of a Confederate veteran
It is hard to imagine the Virginia Division without the presence of Russell and Miss Pam at his side.
His lasting stamp on the Sons of Confederate Veterans was the result of a lifetime of service to the organization and others without the slightest hint of being tainted by the desire for personal status, fame, glory or self aggrandizement.
With over 55 years of continual and selfless service to the memory of the Confederate Soldier, Russell held every elected position within the SCV short of moving beyond Army Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, not just once but numerous times.
Had he desired elected position above Department Commander, there is no doubt but that he would have succeeded in being elected as he never met a stranger, and so far as I know, and inspite of internecine political infighting within the SCV, never had a true enemy.
If anything, Russell's decision over the years to decline leadership at higher levels was undoubtedly fueled by his desire to give as much of himself to his other interests closer to home as he did to the SCV.
Those interests included leadership of young men as a Boy Scout leader and Scoutmaster for many years, deep involvement with the Archealogical Society of Virginia where he played a major role in the preservation of Virginia antiquities, the Scottish Society, the Church and countless other efforts worthy of a gentleman of Russell's stature.
It is only upon the passing of such as Commander Darden that I realize my inadequacy in being able to paint the true greatness of such a man in simple words.
Many have given much of themselves, but none have given more.
Russell Edward Darden (June 30, 1935 - May 5, 2009)
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, Shelia, 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 (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.
