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 Don H. Barden, a pioneer in the casino industry, died Thursday morning from lung cancer. The first black owner of a cable network and Las Vegas casino, Barden turned a $500 investment in a record store into a corporate empire which takes in revenues of more than $400 million a year. He founded real estate development companies, a media empire, four Majesty Casinos located in Las Vegas, Colorado, Indiana and Mississippi and a fifth casino, Fitzgeralds Las Vegas.
"The story of his life is a great story," said his lawyer, Henry Baskin of Birmingham, Mich.
Barden had been undergoing treatment for lung cancer. He was admitted to Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit on Tuesday night and was expected to return home shortly thereafter but didn't make it. The survival rate for lung cancer is only 14% so his death should not come as too much of a surprise.
Barden's last months were tumultuous, while struggling with his health he fought off legal challenges from those who were close to him. His estranged wife, Bella Marshall, tried to have him declared incompetent and take his company from him and the Majestic Star sued him in bankruptcy court, alleging he changed the tax status of one of his companies, which shifted more debt onto the casino company.
Baskin said he hoped Barden would be remembered for the accomplishments and not for the problems he had towards the end of his life. "This was a man who worked his way up from nothing," he said. In 2005 he was recognized by the Detroit City Council as a "Living Legend."
Barden is survived by his son, Don H. Barden Jr., and daughter, Alana M. Barden. Arrangements for his funeral have yet to be finalized.
We here at Casinofan would like to extend our condolences to his friends and love ones. May he rest in peace.
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