John Bert Carden, 75, of Peterstown, W.Va., died Wednesday, May 29, 1996, at his home. He was born in Monroe County on January 7, 1921, and was the son of the late Manley E. and Ada Rudisill Carden.

Mr. Carden was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran. Over the past 55 years, Mr. Carden and his brother, Jennings, previously owned several businesses which included Rich Creek Furniture, Cardens Motel, Cardens Service Station, groceries and appliances. They currently own and operate Cardens Maytag Co. in Rich Creek, and have for over 50 years. Mr. Carden was a real horseman for many years, winning more blue ribbons showing his five-gaited sorrel mare, "Fancy", than anyone else in the state of W.Va. at the time he was showing.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Coulter Carden in 1979; a stepson, Kyle (Kim) Coulter; three brothers, Ashby, Jack and Champ Carden; four sisters, Myrtle and Maude Carden, Nora Ford and Katie Sampson.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth Mowry Carden; one stepson, Karl Mowry Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Phoenix, Ariz.; one stepdaughter, Amber Spikes and her husband, Jimmy, of Salem; one brother, Jennings "Jake" Carden and his wife, Thelma, of Peterstown; one sister, Virginia C. Carden of Peterstown; six stepgrandchildren; eight nieces and nephews; seven great-nieces and nephews; and three great-great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 1996, at the First Baptist Church at Rich Creek, with Rev. Alan Wilder, Rev. Roger Hatfield, and Rev. John Offenberger officiating. Burial will follow in the Sherwood Memorial Park at Salem. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 31, 1996, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home in Peterstown, and at the church one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Carden, Jackie Carden, Jack Arbaugh, Barry Crance, K. N. Mowry, Jimmy Spikes, H. R. McVey, Jerry Thompson, Jay Lane, and Mike Thompson. Flower girls will be granddaughters and nieces.

Roanoke Times, May 31, 1996