Harold H. Baden

Harold H. Baden, Age 95, of Olathe, KS and formerly a lifelong resident of Independence, KS, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Independence, KS on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 10:00 am on Friday, October 11, 2024, followed by Chirstian burial in Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, KS.

Harold was born in Independence, KS on July 27, 1929, to Henry and Lena (Meyer) Baden. He attended Zion Lutheran School, graduated from Independence High School in 1947, Independence Community College in 1949, and Kansas State University in 1951.

He then served two years (1952 & 1953) in the United States Army, spending one of those years in Korea with the 140th Tank Battalion.

Baden started his employment with Sinclair Pipe Line Company in 1953 and retired from ARCO Pipe Line Company as the company’s assistant treasurer in 1985, and then spent one year in Reading, PA, as the treasurer for Atlantic Pipe Line Corp.

Harold began his employment with the City of Independence in 1988, working as treasurer for 20 years until 2008

Harold married Bette M. Goldammer on August 14, 1960, in Jefferson City, MO, and they have lived since then in Independence for almost 61 years, and then most recently for the last 3 years in Olathe, KS, to be closer to family. Harold and Bette have been blessed with two children, a daughter Kaellyn, and a son Rick.

Harold has been a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving at various times as President, Elder, Board of Education, and Treasurer.

Harold was an avid bowler, golfer, and follower of all kinds of sports, and supported the local Indy High School and Community College football and basketball teams. He was elected into the Kansas Bowler’s Hall of Fame. He loved to play any type of game with his family and friends, and was a lifelong K-State sports fan, and made many trips to Manhattan, KS and his family room TV to watch his beloved Wildcats. He loved statistics and was also the family’s photographer, and kept track and documented many scores, family events, and picture albums. One of the favorite memories of Harold’s grandkids was picking up one of his photo albums, and never putting it down until the last page was turned. His 4th of July blowouts were famous for his BBQ chicken, homemade ice cream, and thousands of firecrackers and fireworks. Harold and Bette loved to travel and made frequent visits to see their kids and grandkids, Mystery Trips with great friends, and well over 100 visits to Silver Dollar City / Branson area. He was also a member of the American Legion, and a Life Member of the VFW.

He is survived by his wife Bette, daughter Kaellyn (husband Dave) Norby of Denver, CO, son Rick (wife Susan) Baden of Olathe, KS, and five grandchildren: Steve Norby, Zach (wife Julia) Baden, Emily (husband Nick) Hinrichs, Alli Baden, and Maddie (husband Griffin) Miller, and one great grandson, Drew Hinrichs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Virginia Bredehoft, and his brother Alfred (Bud) Baden.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church.