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Funeral held for Detroit businessman Don Barden

WKAR Public Media
Published May 27, 2011 at 6:12 PM EDT

By AP

DETROIT –
Prominent Detroit businessman and casino owner Don Barden was remembered at his funeral for his business successes and role as a source of inspiration.

The Detroit News reports people packed Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on Friday for his funeral. Walter Bostic, a Southfield salesman who once worked for Barden, says: "He was an inspiration to everyone."

Barden died May 19 of complications from lung cancer, two days after being admitted to Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. He was 67.

He was born in Inkster, Mich., and grew up in Detroit.

He made millions with cable TV franchises in Detroit and the suburbs before venturing into casino ownership. He owned Majestic Star Casino LLC and casinos in Las Vegas, Gary, Ind., Black Hawk, Colo., and Tunica, Miss.
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