Joe Elwood Carden, 75, of Starkville, MS passed away peacefully at his residence on March 31, 2023, after an extended illness. He was born April 22, 1947, in Mathiston, MS and was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Starkville, MS. Joe graduated from Mathiston High School in 1965, he attended Wood Junior College in Mathiston, MS, and graduated from Holmes Junior College in Goodman, MS with an Associates Degree in Heating and Cooling. He went on to work for the Physical Plant at Mississippi State University for 25 years.

Joe spent 4 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing from sun up to sun down, fish fries with family and friends, watching MSU sports and westerns, and making sure that others were fed!

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John Vardie Carden and Ruth Oswalt Carden. Joe was also preceded in death by his siblings Ann Pinnix, Johnny Carden, James Carden and his nephew Kevin Pinnix. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gloria Pee Carden (who provided unwavering care throughout his life). He is also survived by his son Dr. Chris Carden of Cordova, TN. Other survivors include his brother, Jimmy Carden (Malissa), his brother-in-law Tommy Pinnix, his sister-in-law Gloria Walker Carden, 2 nieces, 6 nephews, 1 great niece, 10 great nephews, 2 great great nieces, two great great nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 12-2 pm with the funeral service immediately following at 2. The visitation and funeral service will be held at Welch’s Funeral Home in Starkville, MS. The graveside service and burial will take place at Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Ethel, MS.

Pallbearers: Matthew Carden, Marc Carden, Broc Carden, Cody Carden, Craig Pee, and Shawn Pee
Honorary Pallbearers: Ken Barksdale, Stacey Carden, Jim Haskins, Charles Hill, Ralph Pee, Tommy Pinnix, David Tatum, and David Rone.

The family would like to express our heart-felt thanks to the staff of Baptist Hospice for their genuine compassion and care. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Janie Miller, Camille Gunn, and Shirley Flagg for their compassionate caretaking of Joe in his final days. Finally, to all of the medical staff who provided care to Joe, we thank you.

To honor his memory, donations may be made to any of the following:
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 820 Evergreen Street, Starkville, MS 39759
Double Springs Baptist Church, 375 Bluitt Road, Maben, MS 39750
Shady Grove Community Association, P.O. Box 1304, Kosciusko, MS 39090
Or any charity of your choice.