Herbert Darden, Jr., 80, passed away on January 24, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn. He is also survived by his sister, Pam; sister-in-law, Jeanne; nieces, Darby, Ashley, Amy, and Kimberly; nephews, Richard, Jeff, John, and Scott; grand-niece, Hanes; and grand-nephews, Hunt and Reno and their children. Herb was predeceased by his parents, Herbert Sr. and Annie Bailey, as well as his close sister, Edith Joy.
He was born and raised in Wilmington, NC where he graduated from New Hanover High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Wilmington College. Herb was a devoted son to his mother and father and was the head of the family for a year while his father recovered from tuberculosis.
He excelled in baseball as a youngster and was coached by his dad in Little League. He went on to be a star left-handed pitcher all through high school and into his college years. As a young man, he became a Mason and he was very proud of being “raised up” in the Masonic Order by his Uncle Cecil and Uncle Franklin.
Herb and Carolyn were married in 1970 and shortly thereafter moved to the Tidewater area. He began what would become a 30-year career in the insurance industry, working for Aetna, Citigroup, and Travelers as a Safety Engineer and Construction Specialist. His career was very rewarding to him as he was able to assist many employers in the region to perform their tasks in a safe manner for their workers. He obtained his Professional Engineer (PE) certification and was a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Herb was a loving and devoted husband to Carolyn and they worked as a team throughout their marriage. He brought many talents to their union including excellent drafting and carpentry skills that were put to work designing and building furniture and eventually their “dream house” in Virginia Beach.
His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, and ballroom dancing. Herb knew that Carolyn always wanted to take ballroom dancing, so he surprised her in the mid-1980s with lessons he had signed them both up for. He told his early dance instructor that he needed rhythm injections in the knees, but he pushed on with his usual determination to succeed. Carolyn and Herb took ballroom dancing for over 20 years, advancing together to the gold level. Dancing brought them much enjoyment as a couple and many friends along the way.
Herb was a lifelong learner who faced every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. His desire to help others, his positive attitude, and love for life extended to wild animals as well. He studied birds of our region and enjoyed watching and feeding them as well as the raccoons and foxes that came into our yard.
Friends, neighbors, and family members celebrate Herb’s life with their memories of him and his spirit lives on with all those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Herb’s life to a charitable organization of your choice.