Edward Albert Colden Jr., of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away on September 8, 2020, at the age of 89 years old.
Edward was born in Ferndale, Michigan on Oct. 27, 1930, to Edward, Sr. and Myrtle (Robertson) Colden. He was first married to Susan Stice, with whom he had three children Casey, Charles, and Curtis Colden. He was later remarried to Karen Baumler. He proudly served in the Navy band during the Korean War.
An accomplished percussionist, Edward spent his life in the world of music. He spent his career as a percussionist and conductor, directing and playing with orchestras and bands throughout Southern California. He later returned to Ferndale, Michigan as Ferndale High School’s band and orchestra teacher and conductor. He stayed in the Ferndale school system for the remainder of his career before retiring to Northern, Michigan, eventually settling in Gaylord.
He is survived by his three children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Due to the current COVID restrictions, the family will remember Edward privately at this time. There will be a memorial service at a later date to honor his memory. Please check www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com website for updates.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
6 comments on “Edward A. Colden Jr.”
To the family of Edward Colden. Very sorry for the loss of your father. Ed was a great guy and we had some great times together. I had gotten to know Ed thru the church. For the last two years i would go out and pick Ed up when we had our church breakfast together. He was a great person and will be missed. My condolence to the entire family. Ken Bur
Ed’s musical talent will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Always enjoyed seeing Ed out and about and playing in the community concerts. Very nice man!
To Ed’s family,
I sang in the Methodist church choir with Ed when I was in high school over 10 years ago. He was always so nice, always made me feel welcome and like I belonged, and always made me laugh! I’ll never forget that toothpick in his mouth! What a great guy. I had to share my memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time.
My high school band teacher, my friend. Thanks Mr. Colden for your many talents and for spreading the love of music. Forever in the hearts of many. My deepest condolences to his family, and especially to Casey, Chuck, and Curtis.
Ed was a great guy. He was my first drum teacher back in ‘68 thru ‘70 in Riverside, CA. He also played drums for my fathers (Bill Stewart Danzeisen) big band in the 60s and 70s. Ed was really the ‘go-to’ drummer in the Inland Empire. He also played in the pit pit band for quite a few musicals at Riverside City College. Well. I saw that he passed and it made me sad. He was a big influence. I’m still a professional drummer/producer after 45 years. Thank you Ed Colden. Love to the family.