Ronald Darden

Ronald Anthony Darden, 72, of Cape Girardeau passed into the hands of the Lord on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born June 3, 1941, in Goggins, Ga., to John Thomas Darden and Eva "Georgia" Burbank.

Ron grew up in Wood River, Ill., and graduated from Roxana High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1966 and a master's degree in 1973, both at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

During his professional career he worked in government service from local to federal levels. He received numerous awards for distinctive service in planning and conservation services across many areas of Illinois and Missouri.

Survivors include his loving wife, Kathleen Walch Darden; adopted mother, Anna Margaret Walch of Carlinville, Ill.; a sister, Tommie Jean Myers of Wood River; a brother, David Darden of Ocoee, Tenn.; a niece, Jeanine Kelly-DeVer of Alton, Ill.; two nephews, Michael Anthony Kelly of Wood River and John Kelly of Leonardtown, Md.

He was preceded in death by two unborn children; parents; stepfather, Max Rethorn; infant twin brother, Donald; a brother, John; and a sister, Diane Bajar.

A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Old St. Vincent's Church, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron's memory for the loving and nurturing care of Southeast Hospice in his final days would be appreciated. Mail to 10 Doctors' Park, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.