Paul Elborn Barden

Paul Elborn Barden, age 59, died December 9, 2012 at Stoneybrook Nursing Home, Benton, Arkansas. Born October 5, 1953, in Little Rock, Paul was a member of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church and attended public schools: Jefferson, Forest Heights, and Hall High. He was an Arkansas State Swimming Champion, competing for Little Rock Boys Club, YMCA, Westside YMCA, and Little Rock Racquet Club Dolphins. He qualified to swim in the Pan-American Games in 1970. He loved fishing and camping in Arkansas, Vermont, Grand Teton National Park, and North Carolina. A talented artist and creative writer, Paul enjoyed sending warm birthday cards and notes to friends and family who supported him during his long illness. Paul is survived by parents, Thelma and Stuart Barden; sister Kathleen Wesson and husband Bruce; brothers Michael Barden, Lawrence Barden and wife Louise of North Carolina, Stephen Barden of Florida, three nieces, a nephew, three grandnieces, and a grandnephew. The family thanks the caring staff at Birch Tree Communities where he lived for five years and the Stoneybrook staff. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 16, in the small chapel at Presbyterian Village. In lieu of flowers donations in Paul's memory may be made to Birch Tree Communities, Inc., P.O. Box 1589, Benton, Ark. 72018. Online guestbook: www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.