Darden, Kenneth Lee

Radford Born, Radford Bred, Now I Must Be Radford Dead.

Kem has loaded up and left Radford for the final time at the age of 73. It’s been too long to remember when he first started talking, but once he started, the stories and fun times never seemed to stop.

Kem attended McHarg Elementary School, Hargrave Military Academy, and graduated from Radford High School in 1972. He was on the wrestling & football teams. His proudest sports achievement was playing on the 1971 RHS State Championship Team, serving as the Special Teams Captain.

Kem’s career was in Retail Sales in Radford. From his Father’s Grocery and Sportsman stores then on to George Harvey’s GM Dealership. He also spent 43 years as an Auctioneer. He worked and conducted auctions with Terry McCraw of Radford & Mauyer Gallimore of Floyd. When asked to conduct a charity auction, he couldn’t say no. The Bud Foster Lunchpail Defense Foundation and the Dale Earnhardt Sr. Special Olympics were among his favorites.

Waiting for him at the Gates were his parents, Tony & Helen, his sister, Bette Bryant, and 7 members of his devoted 3rd St. Gang. He is survived by his brother, Day; two nieces, Katie Day Baker (Derek), and Mary Lee Gill (Nick), and four rowdy great nephews, Wyatt, Bryant, Elijah and Boyer.

The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for their exceptional care, as well as the love and support of so many during this time.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. with Pastor William Yagel officiating. Interment will follow in West View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Episcopal Church of Radford and Good Samaritan Hospice.

The Darden family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com