Mr. Robert Johnson Darden, 89, of LaGrange, GA, passed away December 16, 2013, after an extended illness. He was born on March 7, 1924, in Hogansville, GA, to the late John Norwood Darden and Musa Etta Kate Patridge.

Mr. Darden attended the University of Georgia prior to his enlistment into the Army Air Corp 349th Group as a Radio Operator in WWII. His duties included the coordination of medical supply deliveries and transportation of injured soldiers. After returning from military duty, he graduated from Auburn University with a BA in agriculture and was in the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He enjoyed working on his peach farm and raising cattle. Mr. Darden retired from the banking industry and was employed with C&S Bank, Fulton Federal, and the FDIC.

Mr. Darden was a member of the LaGrange Rotary Club and was president from July 1979 - June 1980.

Mr. Darden is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Darden; one daughter, Dr. Leigh-Ann (Robert) Heuser; two grandchildren, Christian Darden Heuser and Charles Rutledge Heuser; sister-in-Law, Juanita ‘Nita' Darden; two nieces, Diane (Herschel) Grant and Elaine Darden; great niece, Christena (Eric) Brostrom; great great niece, Elizabeth Brostrom; other relatives and friends.

The funeral services will be Thursday, December 19, 2013, 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church of LaGrange with Dr. Gil Watson officiating. The gathering of family and friends will be from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the LaGrange Hospice in memory of Mr. Robert J. Darden.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636