John James Barden, Jr.

 JOHN JAMES BARDEN, JR.

John J. Barden, Jr., 98, of Kingston, died Monday, August 25, 2025 in Heritage Hill Assisted Living and Memory Care of Caro. He was born March 21, 1927 in Marlette Hospital to John James and Edna May (Warner) Barden, Sr. He married Janet Elaine Shotwell on June 11, 1954 in Marlette Presbyterian Church.

John attended school in Kingston, the first year they had kindergarten, in 1932. He graduated from Kingston High School in 1945. John was eighteen years old and subject to the draft during World War II. He was called to service six weeks before graduation, and served with the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater. Following this time, he returned home to work with his father in the family hardware and appliance business. John enrolled in the Industrial Training Institute in Chicago, where he studied air conditioning and refrigeration and used this knowledge when he returned to the family business.

He served on the Kingston Village Fire Department for forty-six years, during which time he also acted as Fire Chief. John was on the fire department when they purchased their first fire truck. In the late 1960’s, he worked for a division of General Motors as a service supervisor. John officially retired, at the age of 75, in 2002. Together, he and Janet enjoyed many winters in Florida, where he was fond of riding his bike. Throughout his life, he was a very active member of the community and gave his time, energy, and support to many organizations. John was a Kingston Village Council member for four years, a member of the Michigan Hardware Association for sixty years, and the Cass City Hospital Board of Directors. He held a position on the Kingston State Bank Board of Directors, for over twenty years, until it became Independent Bank. John always enjoyed conversations about finances. He was a life member of the Kingston AMVETS Post #1072, a fifteen-year member of American Legion Post #7 of Caro, and the Kingston Lions Club. John’s favorite activities included working in his garden, being outside, walking in the woods, and winning at Euchre. Most importantly, he loved the hardware store and helping the community out.

John is survived by his loving wife of seventy-one years, Janet; his children: Jayne Houghton of Essexville, Timothy Barden of Kingston, Jill (Tim) Henley of Clarkston, Jack (Dodie) Barden of Chicago, Ill; step-daughter, Pamela (David) Zyrowski of Caro; step-son, Donald “Randy” (Karla) Lyons of Kingston; twelve grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Liberty Lyons; brothers: Charles Barden, Don Barden; sisters: Welda Willert, Elaine Petiprin.

A memorial celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025 in Beagio's Pizza, 5795 Sanilac Road, Kingston, MI 48741 with visiting from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Ann Laundra will lead the celebration. Memorials may be made to the Kingston Community Church or the Kingston Wesleyan Church. Military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #7 of Caro, and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Kingston