Herbert L. Harden, 76, of Centralia, KS, died early Thursday morning, July 29, 2010 at Eastridge care home in Centralia.

A life-long resident of Centralia, he was born February 20, 1934 in Parsons, KS, the second son of Leonard and Louise Harden. The family moved to the Harden family farm in 1942. Herb graduated from Centralia High School in 1954. After attending Kansas State University for a year, he moved back to Centralia.

He worked as a houseman and bartender for 16 years at the Centralia Pool Hall, and as a farmhand for various neighbors much of his life. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Centralia Fire Department from 1957 to 1999. As an official observer for the U.S. Weather Service from 1976 to 2006, he kept records and reported weather in Centralia. A loyal supporter of the Centralia High School athletic program, he served as basketball scorekeeper and football line crewman for many years.

Herb loved being outdoors, and enjoyed fishing with lures he had created. He loved animals, both wild and domestic. As a teenager he raised puppies to earn spending money.

Throughout his life, he was an avid reader of books and magazines on gardening, hunting, weather and history. In his later years, he enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes.

He is survived by a brother, Charles of Olympia, WA, and a sister, Nancy Hinman of Wichita.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, August 3, at Eastridge care home in Centralia.

Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca is charge of the arrangements.