Jan. 24, 1930 ~ Jan. 18, 2026
Bobby “Bob” Ray Carden, 95, passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2026. Born in the year 1930 in the town Tahona, Oklahoma, to Faye and Dalton Carden, Bob was part of a special bond from the very beginning as a twin to his brother Bill.
In 1950, as the Korean War began, Bob was drafted into the military and served honorably from 1950 to 1951. His time in the service was a period of great sacrifice, yet he returned home with a strengthened commitment to the values of loyalty and hard work.
Following his honorable discharge, Bob immediately went back to work in the coal mines, he showed his service, spent years underground to provide a stable future for his loved ones, never shying away from a hard day’s work.
Bob was, above all, a devoted family man whose greatest pride was found in the achievements of his children and grandchildren. He was the storyteller-in-chief, always ready with a “Bob” story from his youth. He is survived by his granddaughter Rainbow Carden and his great-grandchildren Harley and Mylee Oliver, and Journey Carden, who will forever miss his warmth and guidance.
Other survivors also include his stepdaughter, Vicky (Jim) Martinez of Wyoming, Michael Bruce (Kristie) of Craig, Colorado, and also survived by seven grandchildren on Bonnie’s side; Stephanie Christiansen (Texas), Evan Martinez (Colorado), Cory Bruce (Craig, Colorado), Ashton (Bruce) Dickens (Missouri), David (Wyoming), Heather (Colorado Springs, Colorado), and Chris Bruce (Craig, Colorado). In addition, Jeremiah Nichels (Washington), son of Coleen Carden-Dowen.
In addition, Bob also leaves behind several friends and buddies as well as church members who cherished his friendship. Bob was a member of the White River Methodist Church for over 40 years.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie (2024), his stepson, Jimmy Joseph Bruce; his children, Teresa Gertson, Eddie Carden, Coleen Carden-Cowen, Glenn Carden, and brother Bill.
A celebration of his life with military honors will take place at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at White River Methodist Church in Meeker. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Bob’s memory to the Meeker VFW.
