Obituary for Harlin Henry Baden

Harlin Henry Baden, 103, of Westerville, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023. Harlin was born to Carl and Erna (Bostleman) Baden on July 3, 1919 in their farmhouse in Okolona, Ohio. Raised in this German-American community, he attended the local one-room schoolhouse and was baptized and confirmed in Bethlehem Lutheran Church. When called to serve in World War II in Europe, he dutifully served in the 741st and 701st Tank Battalions as a radio equipment repairman, and he earned three bronze stars during his service. After he left the army, he enrolled in Tri-State University and received a degree in electrical engineering, a field in which he worked for his entire working career. Among his various jobs, Harlin worked for the Naval Ordinance Plant in Indianapolis, Chrysler Missile Division in Detroit, and Rockwell International in Columbus. He also had great creative talent, which showed in his designs and projects- from designing the family home to constructing various dollhouses and crafts. His gentle humor and whimsy brought laughter and joy to all who knew him.

Harlin found his greatest satisfaction in serving God and his family. Whether as a Sunday School teacher, a church council member or a father, he exemplified loyalty, diligence and faithfulness in all he did. Devotionals around the dinner table were a daily event. He loved his family deeply and worked tirelessly to build, repair and take care of their home. “Home” was always a very special word to him; his birth home and the home he built for his family were his favorite places- and now God has provided a new and greater home for him.

Harlin is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Donald and Lawrence, his sisters Renetta and Velma, and his son Paul. Harlin is survived by his wife, June (Bender) Baden, children Janet Baden, Mark (Tammi) Baden, Steve (Kelly) Baden, James (Robyn) Baden, Philip Baden and Linda (Kevin) Chivington. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Michael (Julie) Krueger, Katherine (Anthony) Hanson, John Baden, Zelalem Baden, Kiber Baden, Anna Baden, Jonah (Kyrie) Baden, Olivia Baden, William Baden, Adam (Amanda) Baden, Caroline (Nick) Myers, Wasihun Baden, Kristian Baden, Lauren Chivington, Alyssa Chivington, Max Chivington, Emma Chivington, Luke Chivington and Ellie Chivington. Harlin was also blessed with six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces, and a sister-in-law, Janice Enders, of Illinois.

Calling hours will be at the Hill Funeral Home in Westerville, Ohio on Thursday, February 16 from 5-7 pm. The funeral will be on Friday, February 17 at 10:00am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio, with interment following at St. Paul Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Harlin was a generous and devoted christian, and those who wish to honor his legacy are encouraged to make a donation to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio for their mortgage reduction fund ( https://stpaulwesterville.org/donate ) or to The Filling Home of Napoleon, Ohio which helps care for adults with developmental disabilities. ( https://www.mygiving.net/donate/Filling-Home )