Robert C. Carden, 89 of Kouts, IN, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026. He was born July 12, 1937, in Burdine, KY, to the late Luther and Lillian (Gilmore) Carden. Robert proudly served in the National Guard as a driver for officers. He made his career as a furnace operator and truck driver with U.S. Steel for over 30 years, where he also led a bible study and played on the mill softball team. Robert later drove a school bus with Kouts Schools for over 10 years. He had attended Valparaiso Nazarene Church, and enjoyed reading the Bible. Robert loved spending time with his family and taking them on camping trips. He was the rock of his family, and a true leader who didn’t follow the crowd. Robert will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.
On October 19, 1957, Robert married Rita Kidzinski, who was the love of his life until his last breath. Rita survives, along with their children: Robert (Carol) Carden, Monica (Tom) Earle, Theresa (Mark) Martin, and Michael (Glenda) Carden; grandchildren: Joshua (Tonya) Earle, Rachelle (Clayton) Hannon, Brittany (Adam) Hosaflook, Erica Hise, Gabrielle (Chad) Ginther, Zachary (Brooke) Martin, and Jacob (Kylie) Carden; great-grandchildren: Reagan, Rylee, Colter, Ryland, Rhett, Coy, William, Eloise, Kendrick, Indie, Luka, Eden, Emsley, Max, Andrew, and Abe; and sister, Fran Baumgardner. He was preceded in death by siblings: Luther, Virginia, Jack, and Billy.
A private family service will be held, with burial of ashes at Graceland Cemetery, Kouts. Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s name to Disabled American Veterans.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry for your lost. What a wonderful friend. -Ray and Marge Sifrig
Carol and other members for the Carden family. We extend our sincere condolences on the loss of your father-in-law. -Mark and Mayumi Fisher
Dearest Carden Cousins..... Please accept my sincere condolences. Having lost both mom and daddy, I'm sure you are hurting. The only thing making it easier is knowing that he was a man of God just as my parents were. My favorite memory of him and Aunt Rita was Mark & I having lunch with them at their home in Kouts. God bless you and yours. -Vickie Law
He and Rita is one of our best friends. Over the many years we have had so much fun together Condolences to the family. He will be missed dearly. RIP Bob, -Millie Franklin
