Richard Scott Barden's Obituary
Richard Scott “Paw Paw” Barden, age 72, of Memphis, TN, passed away on April 27th. Born on November 22nd, 1953, in Memphis, TN, Richard was the son of the late Erlewood and Jane (McIntosh) Barden.
He loved his wife Linda from the moment he met her as a teenager, and 52 years of marriage later, he still openly expressed how much she meant to him. Together, they, built a lifetime of memories, but most of all, they taught their girls how to love and care for one another. Their marriage was filled with devotion, laughter, sacrifice, and a partnership that withstood every season of life. A life built and rooted in unconditional love in a home full of warmth, security and love. His love for his wife became the steady center of the family to this day.
Richard built a long and meaningful career in Architecture, inspiring generations of families with his sharp eye for detail and his gift for ensuring every measurement, window, and roofline was just right. He was a rare blend of precision engineer and freehand artist, creating drawings that were both workable blueprints and framed works of art. He had perfect manuscript handwriting, a reflection of the patience, discipline, and pride he brought to everything he touched. His legacy can be found throughout custom homes, renovations, and historic restorations in and around the Memphis area.
He had a deep connection to his craft and poured his heart into artistic sketches that helped clients visualize the depth, perspective, and beauty of their dream spaces. He shared his knowledge generously and treated each client with respect, always committed to giving every home “good bones.”
Richard was known for his devoted love of family and his unwavering loyalty to each of us. He spent his life taking care of his tribe and providing for generations. He always showed up, gave freely, and loved deeply. He took a sincere interest in any and everything his daughters and grandchildren were involved in. No accomplishment, story, game, school event, or life update was ever too small. He loved keeping up with our lives and being a part of every moment he could. He had a way of saying “Buddy” that instantly made you feel special and so deeply loved. He was a gentle, kind soul with the most positive, upbeat energy. He treated everyone with genuine kindness and without judgement, always.
Richard loved woodworking, learning about the unknown wonders and mysteries of the world, and spending quality time with his daughters and grandchildren. He brought high energy, high fives, thumbs up, hugs, smiles, laughter, and joy into every season of life. He adored being the ultimate “girl dad,” although us Barden girls were often referred to by him as “dudes.” We were a force to be reckoned with, wrestling on Saturdays, watching WWE, playing basketball, volleyball, riding bikes, taking family beach trips and he laughed through it all with a proud heart.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Linda Freeman Barden. He was the proud Father of four daughters: Heather Currier (Eric), Allison Redus (Michael), Courtney Mullikin (Josh), And Melanie Hurst (Cortez). He leaves behind eleven grandchildren who were his pride and joy: CJ, Aaron, Alex, Avery, Brandon, Addy, Vicky, Henry, Evie, Makayla, and Wesley. Richard is also survived by his brothers, John (Sharon) and Bobby (Brenda); his sister, Charlotte and proceeded in death by his brother Will (Louise) and the late Karen Van Hooser Barden.
Family and Friends are invited to join for Visitation Monday, May 4th from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with funeral services immediately following at 2:00pm.
We will miss him every single day. See you again, Dude. Love all of your Buddies.
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