John Allen Harding, Sr., 81, of Medicine Lodge,died on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at his residence.
He was born on December 20, 1940 in Goodland, the son of Clifford and Ellen (Hendershot) Harding.
John was a humble, hard-working man. As part owner/operator of two IGA grocery stores, he was also supervisor, warehouse manager, store constructor and leasing manager for Fleming Foods. He was also a carpenter and spent a good part of his later years doing remodeling and construction. John was devoted to the Lord. His love for his wife, Wanda, was unconditional. He looked forward to spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a passion for bass fishing and did for over 50 years with his best friend, Jerry Pates. John was very passionate about animals, enjoyed reading and prayed daily. He was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in Medicine Lodge.
Surviving are his wife, Wanda Sue (Ricke) Harding; his children, Kelley (Robert) Massingill and Shelley Wombacher; grandchildren, Jake & Alex (Andrea) Polzin, Britt, Clay, & Devin Massingill, Emerson (Ishmeal) Floyd, Bailey (Silas) Miller, Brant Russell, Becky (Dustin) King, and Lexi Lesperance.; great-grandchildren, Vada Sue King and Houston O’Dell Simon; many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Kristi R. (Harding) Massingill, one son, John Allen Harding, Jr., one brother, Charles C. (Twila) Harding and two sisters, Rilla Mae Harding and Judie Kay (Harding) Baker.
Cremation has taken place. A rosary service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 300 Curry Lane, Medicine Lodge, at 10:45 a.m.
A memorial mass will follow at approximately 11:00 a.m. at the church with Father Emmanuel Kosikumah presiding. Inurnment will be private at Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.