In Loving Memory of Alan "Tim" Carden

1954 - 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Alan 'Tim' Carden, a proud and dedicated retired U.S. Marine, on October 8, 2024 at the age of 70. He leaves behind a legacy marked by his love for his God, family, country, and Corps.

Born in Liverpool, England, Tim spent his childhood years moving from military base to military base. Determined to make something of himself and a deep desire to serve the United States in the time of war, he enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps at the young age of 17 years, where he proudly and passionately served his country for more than 20 years.

Upon graduating boot camp in 1972, Tim was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France, which brought him the first of many honorable duties including being selected as personal guard for Dr. Henry Kissinger, Chief U.S. Negotiator to the Paris Peace Talks on the Vietnam War, and selected as guard for the U.S. Mission to the Geneva Convention on Law of War talks. It was also during this time he met his future wife Judy at a July 4th celebration at the Embassy apartments, and her family who embraced him as a son and brother. Together, Tim and Judy fell in love in the City of Love, and made their way down the aisle on December 14, 1974 in Lexi, Mississippi.

Tim and Judy's first few years were filled with many moving boxes and miles traveled across the U.S. and abroad. Training and protecting were a common focus across his long career. As Drill Instructor, he took his responsibility for the training of new recruits seriously, because he knew how vital the foundation for success and survival were to the few and the proud, and as Platoon Commander for the 81mm Mortar Platoon, he ensured the readiness and directed tactical employment of mortars, vehicles, and personnel. As Detachment Commander for the Marine Security Guard Detachment for the U.S. Consulate General in Dharan, Saudi Arabia, he provided security for the Consul General and visiting dignitaries. And as 1st Sergeant, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia once again, this time taking up defensive positions leading to Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield, and participating in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation during Operation Desert Storm.

His 20-year career in the Marine Corps was distinguished receiving the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, 2 Meritorious Unit Commendations, 5 Good Conduct Medals, 2 National Defense Service Medals, 2 Southwest Asia Service Medals, 3 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, 3 Certificates of Commendation, Certificate of Achievement, 2 Meritorious Mast, 3 Rifle Expert Badges, and Pistol Marksman Badge. Surpassing the pride he received from the work he did every day and the awards received, the arrival of his daughters Amy (1980) and Stephanie (1984) made his family with Judy complete. As his girls grew, he provided them with love, instilled the importance of honor, family, and commitment, and made memories that have lasted across decades.

After more than 20 years doing what we loved, Tim retired honorably from the USMC, moving his family to Fort Worth, Texas. Entering the civilian world, he began his second 20 year career with the U.S. Postal Service, established a home for his family, and started attending Glenview Baptist Church upon the invitation of Judy's uncle and aunt, Bill and Yvonne Pigott. For the first time, Tim learned about the unsurpassing love of God, and became a born-again believer in 1993. As his daughters grew and married, Tim welcomed the birth of 2 wonderful grandsons and one granddaughter, and the joyous addition of a new granddaughter after the marriage of Stephanie and Jeremy. An active presence in their lives, he genuinely enjoyed being a grandpa creating unbreakable bonds, using what he learned from watching Hugh and Barbara love their grandchildren.

Throughout the years, and especially after his second retirement took hold in 2018, he indulged in the things he most loved including spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren; selflessly devoting himself to support loved ones in need; fishing the lakes of North Texas; spending time outdoors; caring for his beloved dogs; piddling in the garage and yard; insatiable lust for learning history; and singing along with his classic rock music. Over the last year, God continued to draw Tim closer, renewing the strength of his faith, love, and devotion to Jesus Christ. Often he retired to his office to spend time with the Lord, digging into the Word, and sharing what he learned with his family. In August of this year, Tim celebrated his 70th birthday with his wife, daughters and sons in law, and grandchildren, and after just two months, God called home his faithful servant, where Tim could finally enter into His peace. "Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I fear no evil. For I am the meanest... in the valley... I am a United States Marine."

Tim is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Judy Carden (nee Smith), his daughters Amy (David) Stiver and Stephanie (Jeremy) Dickinson; four grandchildren who had his heart, Noah and Shayde Atkinson, Abbie Dickinson, and Kennedy Stiver; sister Karen (Robert) Harris; as well as by his bonus family, Barbara Smith, Jan (Rick) Steele, and Jo (George Berry), multitude of nieces, and great nieces and nephews; and brothers in arms Rick Steele, George Berry, and Carl Cooley. He is preceded in death by his mother Jessie Kay; 3 brothers Keith, Ike, and Robert Carden; 3 sisters Janie Carden, Lizzy Wood, and Janie Martin; bonus father Hugh Smith; and brother in arms Johnnie Helms.

Tim had a charitable heart, generously giving what he could to family and friends, organizations with missions close to heart, and providing the gift of life through organ donation after his passing.

If you feel so inclined, please consider donating to an organization Tim supported  (Wounded Warriors, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and CASA of Tarrant County).

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Dallas - Fort Worth National Cemetery beginning at 10:00 AM.