James William (J.W.) Harding was born March 3, 1929 at the family farm home southeast of Allendale to James Marion and Ruby May (Zimmerman) Harding. He was the third of six children. He attended Dry grade school through 8th grade, then graduated from Hatfield High, Class of 1947. J.W. was in the U.S. Marine Corp where he serviced air craft, then served several years in the reserves and has maintained membership with American Legion Post 92. After serving, he returned home and was proud to be a lifelong resident of the Allendale Community. He was a dedicated farmer who loved working with his cattle. His Worth County roots go back 150 years. J.W. was one of the original organizers of the annual Allendale 4th of July breakfast where he served as emcee since its inception in 1964, most recently, this year.
J.W. married Clara Elizabeth Bush on April 19, 1959 and to this union were born five children: Kevin Jay (Jeanie) Harding of Allendale, James Mark (Laurie) Harding of Denver, Becky Elizabeth (Randy) Baker of Grant City, Robin Anne (Scott) Davidson of Sheridan and Brenda Ellen (Randy) Dougan of Ravenwood.
Sixty one years of marriage brought them five children, seventeen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren that were a source of great enjoyment and pride. Grandpa was very proud of his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
J.W. accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of the Allendale Baptist Church. He was also an ordained deacon, active in the prison and bible ministries through Gideon’s International and Lion’s International.
He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family at the age of 91 years, 6 months, and 3 days.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Harding and sister Opal Fuller. He is survived by his wife of the home, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sisters Winona Cooper of Fairfax, MO and Ruth Boedeker of Lee’s Summit, MO and Karol Chicken of Grant City, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Allendale Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the Allendale Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 9 at 10:00 A.M. with interment to follow at Isabelle Cemetery, southeast of Allendale. Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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