Maxwell Ray Carden, 84, of Owensboro, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born in Owensboro on August 29, 1941 to the late Joseph Elbert and Dollie Irene Dennison Carden. He served during Vietnam in the US Army. Ray was a member of Ridgewood Baptist Church and retired from Kentucky Wesleyan College. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, John Wesley, Jody, Emoline, Mary Francis, Gayle, and Betty Jean.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Norma “Jean” Carden; children, Devin Ray Carden (Peggy), Keith Allen Carden (Valeria), and Cheri West (Chuck); nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Goldman Eugene Carden Jr.; sisters, Faye O’Bryan, Janice Hall, and Oneida Mattingly.
Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Ridgewood Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery with military honors. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday at Ridgewood Baptist Church. James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301 or VFW, 311 W. 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.