Al Carden

Al Carden, 84, of Stanton, MO, formerly of Fenton, MO, passed away Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Washington, MO.

Alfred Ray Carden was born September 15, 1937 in Bear Creek, Alabama, to James Elbert and Evie Lee (Mann) Carden. As a young man he developed a strong work ethic, working in the cotton fields with his parents and sister Betty. Seeking better opportunities, the Carden family made their way to Missouri. During Al’s school years, he exhibited natural athletic ability and baseball would soon become his passion. After graduating from McKinley High School in 1957, Al signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization to play professional baseball. Al played in the Orioles’ minor league system for a few seasons before being drafted into the United States Army. During his years of serving in the Army as a Green Beret, Al continued playing baseball on the United States Army team. Al’s baseball career was derailed when he sustained injuries in a car accident that adversely affected his pitching arm and shoulder. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Al took a job in the heating equipment industry, working for Intertherm in St. Louis, beginning in April 1959. At the age of 35, Al was promoted to plant manager in 1974. He continued that position until leaving the company. In 1996, Al went to work at U.S. Paint Company, serving as shift manager until his retirement in January 2000.

Al married Helen Fields on November 28, 1999. After retirement, they made their home in Stanton, MO, and became members of the First Baptist Church of Stanton.

Al was an avid fisherman, and even spent time tournament fishing over the years. He loved to hunt but fishing was his passion.

Al was deeply loved by his family and will be missed dearly!

Al is survived by his wife, Helen; his stepson, Steven Fields and fiancé,  Pam Piwowarczyk, of St. Louis; his grandchildren, Jesse Fields of St. Louis and Taven Fields of St. Peters, MO; his four siblings: Betty Dopko of Hampstead, NC, Wanda Howerton of Millersville, MO, Clayton Carden and wife Anne of Troy, MO, and Rick Carden and wife Debbie of Cuba, MO; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins and many friends; Helen’s stepchildren: Burt Fields and wife JoAnne of Texas, Gayle Fields and Rita Fields, both of Granite City, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Major Ted Dopko and Larry Howerton; and Helen’s stepson, Ray Fields.

Visitation was Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 4 – 8 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Stanton, MO. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 10, 2021, also at First Baptist Church in Stanton. Burial immediately followed the service in Stanton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Al’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude and/or the charity of donor’s choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO.