Daniel Franklin Barden, 41, of Columbia died Sunday, November 3, 2024. Born December 17, 1982, Daniel was a beloved son, husband, and father whose kindness and passion for life touched everyone around him. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and a passion for the outdoors.

Daniel began playing golf at the age of six, quickly developing a lifelong passion for the sport. He played throughout middle and high school, proudly serving as a cart boy at Spring Valley Country Club during his teenage years. A graduate of Irmo High School, he played on the varsity team beginning in the seventh grade and earned a full scholarship to play golf at Presbyterian College, where he formed lasting friendships and became a member of the Beta Pi Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order.

Daniel later transferred to the University of South Carolina, Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in accounting, graduating in 2006. After completing his CPA, he began his career as a certified public accountant with Grant Thornton, LLP. He later joined Westinghouse Electric Company, serving as plant controller for more than 11 years. Most recently, Daniel was the Chief Financial Officer at Bentley Pontoons Acquisitions LLC. Known for his straightforward approach and keen business acumen, he brought a sense of security and calmness to every situation, embodying a results-oriented and organized mindset.

Daniel was an active member of the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, the Coastal Conservation Association, and the 854 Society at Hammond School. He was a Camp Greystone Dad, and an active member of Spring Valley Country Club and Forest Lake Club.

Daniel was predeceased by his father, Stephen Franklin Barden (Steve). He is survived by his loving mother, Cynthia Coleman (Cindy) Barden; his adoring wife, Susan Milliken Barden (SuSu); and the apple of his eye, daughter Susan Milliken Barden (SuSu), along with his beloved dog, Sugar Barden. Also surviving are his mother- and father-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Umbach (Rick and Susan), and many brothers and sisters-in-law: Mr. and Mrs. Carmelo B. Sammataro (Sam and Nan), Mr. and Mrs. Walter Davies Merry IV (Davies and Theresa), Grace Taylor Merry (Grace), Mr. and Mrs. William Montgomery Umbach (Will and Jessica), and Emily Mills Umbach (Emily). Daniel cherished his many nieces and nephews: Bayden and Brooke Merry, Lucy Mills Sammataro and Grace and John Amick, Hayes and Carter Umbach, Will Parsons, and Smith and Collins Umbach. He will be deeply missed by many aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Milliken, Umbach, Barden, Coleman, and Abbott families, as well as treasured colleagues and friends.

Daniel's greatest joys in life were being a devoted husband and father. He adored his wife and daughter, who affectionately referred to him as the best husband and dad on the planet. His hobbies included fishing in McClellanville and the intercoastal waterways of South Carolina, playing golf with friends, enjoying time with family at Wild Dunes, Woodcreek, and Cashiers, and cheering on the Carolina Gamecocks. Daniel loved playing cards with friends and was an enthusiastic supporter of his daughter's many activities, from impromptu dance parties to soccer games to swim meets. He shared a special bond with his daughter over their love for water slides, creating countless joyful memories on family vacations.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bentley Pontoons for their unwavering support during Daniel's illness. Daniel truly loved his work and colleagues, who became like family. They also extend their deep gratitude and appreciation to the compassionate teams at Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina, on Tuesday, November 12, at 4 p.m. A celebration of life will follow from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Forest Lake Club, 340 County Club Drive, Columbia, South Carolina.

Daniel will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations in support of the Barden Family may be made to The Daniel Barden Memorial Fund, care of Synovus Bank, attention Reid Carlisle, 4848 Trenholm Plaza, Suite 27, Columbia, South Carolina 29206.