Death is not a journey unto an unknown land, it is a voyage home.

Edward Harden, Jr., of Allentown, departed this life on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at RWJ in Hamilton. The son of the late Edward Harden Sr. and Florence McCloud Harden, Edward was born on May 26, 1935 in St. Augustine, FL. He attended public schools in St. Augustine and in 1953 met and married Ruby Emory. Two years later, they relocated to NJ, ultimately residing in Allentown until his death.

Edward retired from Waste Management of Hamilton, where he drove trucks for 30 years. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and loved backyard BBQ's. Edward accepted God in his heart and soul and became a faithful deacon at Miracle Pentecostal Church of Deliverance under the leadership of the late Overseer, R.L. Trammell. He was a faithful tithe giver, a Deacon of the board and one of the "Faithful Few" all male group members.

After his daughter-in-law, Pastor Rita Harden, began pastoring, he spoke with Overseer Trammel, they prayed, he gave his blessing and Edward departed in peace. Shortly after, Deacon Harden moved his membership from Miracle Pentecostal Church of Deliverance to "Love Mission" under the leadership of Pastor Rita Harden where he held the position of Head Deacon.

Edward was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Florence Harden; his loving wife of 48 years, Ruby Harden; his son Edward Harden; daughter, Cathy Harden and two brothers, John and Frankie Harden. Left to cherish his memories are three daughters, Theresa Harden of Browns Mills, Cassandra E. Harden of East Windsor and Cathleen Y. Harden of Allentown; two sons, Gregory L. Harden of Allentown and Anthony Harden (Rita) of Trenton; 16 grandchildren, Rhonda, William, Dawanda, Donnell, Kamika, Evelyn, Danielle, LaShunda, Lakesha, Anthony, Edward, Antione, DeShawn, Michael, Adrian and Derrick; 17 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Lillian Harden of Ewing, Paula Harden Manning (James) of Keystone Heights, FL and Michelle Harden Robbinson (Rick) of Gainesville, FL; four sisters-in-law, Carrie Clark of Forsyth, GA, Rose Hobs of Macon, GA, Ann Harden of Hamilton and Christine Oliver of Orlando, FL as well of a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held 1pm on Saturday, September 12th at the Union AME Church, 72 Church St., Allentown. Interment will follow in Allentown Methodist Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday from11am until the service at the church. Arrangements under the direction of the Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.