Charles Gladden

Charles Harve Gladden was born November 12, 1939, at home in Redmesa, Colorado. He returned to his Father in Heaven in Farmington, NM surrounded by his loving family and friends on August 13, 2023, at the age of 83.

Harve was born the oldest of six children to Charles Thomas and Allie Jane (Greer) Gladden. Sister Adeline (Gladden) Dodson and brothers Reace, John, Benson and Shane Gladden. He was proceeded in death by his parents Charles, Allie, and brother Reace Gladden and sister-in-law, Sandy.

Harve grew up in the Redmesa, CO area and attended school in Redmesa, Marvel and Durango, CO. Graduating Durango High School in 1957, during his senior year Harve volunteered himself to the Army National Guard, serving from 1957 to 1960.

Frequently visiting Farmington, NM, he met the love of his life and sweetheart, Laura Beth (Lee) Gladden. They were married June 28th, 1960, in the Salt Lake City LDS temple. They were blessed with six wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter. Charles (Nancy), Shawna (Dan) Decker, Vernon (Rosemil), Benson (Rhonda), Rod (Kerryleigh), Bryant (Kristen), and Donald (Dustin) Gladden. Mom and Dad have been blessed with 31 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Dad and Mom spent time in Hesperus, CO and in Farmington, NM. In 1973 they relocated to Newcomb, NM on the Navajo Reservation. There, our family lived as Dad ran the trading post at Newcomb. In 1978 the family moved to Kirtland, NM where Mom and Dad have lived for the past forty-five years. Dad had the opportunity of managing the trading post at Newcomb, NM and the Red Valley, AZ trading post. He later was able to work closer to home managing pawn shops in the Farmington and Kirtland, NM area. One of his greatest achievements in life was opening Wagon Wheel Pawn in Kirtland, NM with his son, Vernon. Through his experiences with the trading posts and pawn shops, his relationship with the Navajo people turned into true love for them. These relationships and friendships have blessed him throughout his life.

Dad was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, fulfilling many callings throughout his adult life. His testimony of our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the very most important to him and sharing that example with his family. From March of '05 to March of '07 Mom and Dad had the wonderful opportunity of serving a mission for the LDS church in the Philippines Olongapo Mission. During this time, they were able to share their love of the gospel with the Filipino people and were able to make lifelong friends.

Dad will be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather, and loyal friend. Every moment he spent with his family and especially grandchildren will always be cherished memories for him.

A Viewing will be Friday August 18th 6-8 pm at the Farmington Funeral Home 2111W Apache Street, Farmington, NM. The funeral will be Saturday August 19th 10am LDS chapel road 6100 Kirtland, with a family gathering and public viewing at 9am.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at SJRMC for the compassionate care they provided Harve.