Daniel Wesley (Dan) Harden, Sr

Daniel W. (Dan) Harden, Sr., 56, of Leesburg, died Tuesday, September 24, 2013 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Philema Road Baptist Church. Rev. Kent Miller will officiate. Cremation will follow after the services.

Born in Morroco, North Africa, Dan had resided in Leesburg, GA for the past six years moving from the Washington, DC area. Besides his beloved motorcycle, Dan loved his boat and going on fishing trips with his son. One of his proudest moments was being able to drive his daughter on his motorcycle at the Friday night football games last year. Dan always wanted to educate everyone on the safety of the road. His motto was to be aware of your surrounding and watch for other people.

Although Dan is remembered by local people as a Fire Inspector, he was a twenty eight year veteran of the Alexandria Virginia Fire Department with the rank of lieutenant. He was a first responder at the Pentagon on 9-11 and also worked with FEMA after hurricane Isabel hit his hometown area in 2003.

Dan was a loving and devoted father with a strong sense of duty to fire service and to the Georgia Fire Fighters Burn Camp for Kids. One of his most noted accomplishments was Dan's Bumpin' Butts- the amazing and awesome smoking abilities Dan would do for fundraising by the tasty meats that would come off the grill. On a sour note his inability-to grow grapes. We love you Dan.

Survivors include his wife, Colleen Harden, Leesburg, GA, a son, Daniel W. Harden, Jr., Leesburg, GA, two daughters, Ashlee Harden, Leesburg, GA and Kristin Daniels, Springfield, VA, his father, Lonnie Harden, Brandywine, MD, two brothers, Keith Harden, Mechanicsville, MD, Kenneth Harden, LaPlata, MD, sister-in-law, Debbie Harden, LaPlata, MD, nephews, Adam Harden, Brian Harden, Sean Harden, Alex Harden, nieces, Amanda Sanborn, Amber Neitzke, Katie Gott and four granddaughters.

Because of his devotion to the camp, the family is requesting, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Camp OO-U-La in memory of Dan Harden, Georgia Fire Fighters Burn Camp for Kids, Camp OO-U-La, 2575 Chantilly Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30324-3712 or www.gfbf.org or 404-320-6223.

The family will receive friends following the funeral services at the church.