October 27, 1955 September 22, 2023

Dennis Richard Harden was born October 27, 1955 in the Ponca City, OK hospital. His proud parents were Betty and Ernest Harden. Dennis attended Washington Elementary School, East Junior High and was a 1973 graduate of Ponca City High School. Dennis was a baseball player since the age of 4 where he was a pitcher and played second base. He played on the American Legion baseball team starting as a sophomore. As a sophomore and senior he played on the PoHi teams that won District and played in the State Semi-Finals. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management.

He was a lifelong fisherman and until his accident an avid hunter with his dog by his side. He defied all odds as a quadriplegic living forty five years past the normal ten year life expectancy. His faith, positive attitude, sense of humor and excellent care made it possible. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited in Ponca City and when he moved to Hemphill, Texas on Toledo Bend Lake he served more than one term as President of the El Camino Bay Homeowners Association.

Dennis was able to walk again - with the angels on September 22, 2023. He passed at his own request with his sister, Debra, by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, the love of his life - Kathleen Ryan, and his pioneer grandparents Steve and Zella Harden, Jesse and Minnie Brown.

Surviving Dennis are his sister, Debra Harden Rue, her husband Carroll Rue and his nephew, Buckley Harden Rue, cousins from both sides of his family and friends from Ponca City and Hemphill, TX.

Those wishing to honor Dennis are asked to contribute to the Ponca City High School Alumni Hall of Fame Scholarship Endowment Fund. No service will be held but may he be kept forever in your memories.