A. J. Harden

A.J. Harden, 83 of Lake Sumner, NM was born April 2, 1938 in Fort Sumner, NM to the home of Cairl and Ola (Blankenship) Harden. He grew up in Fort Sumner where he attended school. In his early years, A.J. worked in the logging industry in Alaska and Oregon. A.J. is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. A.J. married Virginia Roberts in 1962 at Marriage Ville, California. They travelled across the country while A.J. worked as a truck driver. They made their home in Wellington, TX and Dixon, Missouri before returning to Fort Sumner. A.J. drove for Furr's Trucking for many years while living in Fort Sumner. He owned and operated his own truck for many years. According to his son, A.J. never retired, he and Virginia built a hamburger stand and set it up in Fort Sumner. They continued working for years. He was a member of The Church on The Hill in Fort Sumner. A.J. is preceded in death by his father Cairl Harden, mother Ola Welch, his wife Virginia Harden on March 16, 2016, a son Shane Harden, his daughter Candy Harden in 2012, and his twin brother C.J. Harden in 1960. Survivors include his son, Tommy Harden and wife Stacy of Moriarty, four grandchildren, Shawna Dean of Portales, Toni Kae Harden of Moriarty, Candy Jo Webb of Tucumcari, and Arron Harden of Fort Sumner and a sister Ola Faye Pena of Fort Sumner. Cremation will take place, no formal services are scheduled. We ask that you keep A.J. and his family in your prayers. Please share a favorite memory or sign the online guest book at www.chavezfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311.