Tom was born in Hope, Arkansas to parents Walter and Lillie Harden. He was raised with his sister Vivian, and brothers Murl and Bret. At age 17, he joined the Navy ?to see the world.? On May 3, 1946, he married his loving wife, Lucille Harden. They were married 56 years until her death February 12, 2003. He was a distinguished and honored Military Veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy for 30 years. He served several tours of duty in Vietnam, including one tour with his son James Jim Harden Jr. He was frequently referred to as the right hand man to Admirals and Fleet Commanders. He spent a number of years as an Instructor at the San Diego Naval Training Center. His career took him and his family from Coast to Coast, though primarily stationed out of San Diego, California. He and his wife, Lucille moved to Yakima, Washington in 1977 and then moved to Pasco, Washington in 1998. Together, he and his wife served the community as Scout Masters and Den Leaders with such distinction that President John F. Kennedy presented him with a flag that flew over the White House. He loved his family and pets. He loved dancing, teaching, fishing, travel, Science Fiction, Westerns, and was an avid football fan. He is survived by his daughter Vickie Lynn Helgeson and her husband Jerry of Grahm, WA.; son James ?Jim? Harden Jr. and his wife Deborah of Pasco, WA; grandchildren Lorrie Helgeson, Jodie LaCroix, Randy Larsen, and Virginia ?Ginger? Harden; and great-grandchildren Domnique ?Nikki? Larsen, Bryson LaCroix, and Courtney LaCroix, and brother Murl Harden Tom has gone this day to be in the loving arms of God and dance with his wife Lucille and his dogs YoYo, Rompers, PeeWee, and Prissy. There are no Memorial Services scheduled however the family will hold a private gathering in his honor. Friends and family are welcome to make Memorial contributions to Tri Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, 2108 W. Entait, Kennewick, WA. 99336 Special thanks to all the wonderful and compassionate staff at Lourdes Hospital, especially to Denise traveling Nurse, Jane, Kelly, Chaplain Connie, Dr Vaz, and Dr Najera.