It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brian D. Barden, 72, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Brian passed away peacefully after a courageous, long-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma, surrounded by his loving wife of 51 years, Brenda; his son Jared; and his brother-in-law Bruce Clark.
Born on January 23, 1954, in Sayre, PA, Brian was the son of the late Lewis and Hazel (Fleming) Barden. He was also predeceased by his sister, Joan (Barden) Smith, and his parents-in-law, Harland and Beverly Clark. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda (Clark) Barden; his son and daughter-in-law, Jared and Danielle (Trout) Barden of Mansfield, PA; his grandsons, Fitzgerald and Enoch Barden; brother and sister-in-law, David and Carolyn Barden of Neeses, SC; brother-in-law Phil Smith of Tyaskin, MD; brother-and-sister-in-law, Bruce & Marilyn Clark of Mansfield, PA; and several nieces and nephews, having a special connection with his nephew Cody Clark.
Brian’s love story with Brenda began in kindergarten. After playing in the sandbox one afternoon, a young Brian came home and told his mother, “I met the cutest little blonde girl today.” By the second grade, he knew he wanted to marry her. They began dating during their senior year of high school and were wed on May 17, 1975, both graduating from Mansfield University the following year.
A dedicated educator and leader, Brian taught at Warren L. Miller in Mansfield for three years before founding New Covenant Academy (NCA) in 1979. In 1989, he began a distinguished 22-year career at Mansfield University, starting as an Admissions Department Counselor and retiring in 2011 as the Director of Enrollment Services. Following his retirement, he happily returned to NCA to fill in the gaps wherever he was needed. Outside of his professional life, Brian loved growing roses in his backyard garden during the ’80’s and ’90’s, and later enjoyed traveling, cruising with his beloved wife, volunteering on mission trips with his church, and spending time with his cherished grandsons.
For 50+ years, Brian was an active member of the Church of the New Covenant. He was also an integral part of the “Save the Gatehouse” committee, tirelessly creating awareness and raising donations to restore the historic local building and gates. He was a devoted board member for the Mansfield Foundation and the Mansfield Auxiliary Corporation.
Brian was a true pillar in his family, his church, and the Mansfield community. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, learning, and faith in Jesus Christ. Though he will be deeply missed, his family and friends rejoice in the promise that he is now in his eternal home with his Savior.
Services & Memorial Contributions
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service and visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Church of the New Covenant, 310 Extension St., Mansfield, PA, with Pastor Mark Scafidi officiating. The service will also be live-streamed on the Church of the New Covenant’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/cncministries
In honor of Brian’s legacy as the founder of New Covenant Academy, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made to New Covenant Academy in support of their scholarship fund.
Services are under the direction of Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 South Main Street, Mansfield, PA. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com
