Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 1, 2026

Frank Darden, Jr., 74, of Denver, North Carolina, passed away on April 1, 2026, at Stanley Total Living Center after a long illness. He is now dancing in Heaven.

Frank was born on November 24, 1951, in Fayetteville to John Frank Darden Sr. and Magdalene Frazier Darden. He graduated from Fayetteville High School and later attended University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he met his wife.

Frank is survived by Sharyn, his loving wife of 50 years; his sister, Lynn Glass (Joe) of Oak Island; niece Kelly Alderman (Eric) and their children, Finley and Bayler, of Bolivia; brother-in-law Charles Allen (Janet) of Charlotte; niece Jordan Shea (Mike) and their children, Michael and Caroline, of Charlotte; and nephew Chase Allen (Mandy) and their children, Turner and Harding, also of Charlotte.

Frank retired from Genuine Parts Company and went on to live his dream-playing tennis and golf, fishing, boating, working in the yard, spending time with his Lambda Chi brothers, listening to beach music, and shag dancing with friends. He loved being the center of attention and was often the life of the party.

A faithful member of Unity Presbyterian Church, Frank served his church in many ways: as a member of the Christian Life Team, an Elder, part of the construction team, teacher of the men's Bible study, and member of the Unity Men's Breakfast crew. He also volunteered for many years with East Lincoln Christian Ministry delivering meals. He truly enjoyed helping others any way he could.

A service to celebrate Frank's life will be held on April 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC 28037, with Reverend David Bonnema officiating. A visitation will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC 28037; Stanley Total Living Center, 514 Old Mount Holly Road, Stanley, NC 28164; or VIA Health Partners, 900 Donita Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Chaplain Henry Haynes for his prayers and frequent visits, and to Frank's former caregiver, Heather Griff, for her devoted care. They are also deeply grateful to the many kind and compassionate nurses and CNAs at Stanley Total Living Center, as well as the staff of VIA Health Partners, for their unwavering support.

Frank fought a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. He now has no more pain, no more suffering, and has been made whole again. He will be missed deeply and forever held in the hearts of those who loved him. His memory will continue to live on through the stories shared of the remarkable man he was-and always will be.

Rest in peace, my love.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.