John Douglas Harding

John Douglas Harding, 64, of Jonesburg, MO, passed away at Mercy Hospital, Washington, MO on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from complications of pneumonia.

John was born on September 28, 1952 in Mexico, MO to Carl and Georgia (Key) Harding.  He was the baby of the family and grew up with three siblings: James Harding, preceding him in death March, 2015, surviving is Karen Shy of Lake St. Louis and Carla Pund of Wentzville, MO.  He attended Jonesburg Elementary and graduated from Montgomery County R-II.  He was a member of the Jonesburg Masonic Lodge #457 and the Jonesburg Lions Club. 

Carl and Georgia bought the Harding Funeral Home in 1939 and served many families over the years.  In 1987, John got his Funeral Directors License and after the passing of his Dad, John helped his Mom full time in the funeral home.  Harding Funeral Home was sold in September, 2011 to Pitman Funeral Home where John continued to work.  He loved working with families and no matter what he could always have a family laughing while making arrangements to break the sadness.

On March 18, 2000, John met Grace Groeber Jones, who survives him.  It was love at second sight because love at first sight was out when he said “I would never date a woman with three kids.”  He ate those words and helped the love of his life raise her three boys, Dustin, Trevor and Jacob Jones, into the young men they are today. 

John had many passions in his life.  He loved old rock and roll music, with as most know, The Rolling Stones, being his favorite band.  He could answer any trivia about music and sports.  His next passion was cooking.  He loved to try new recipes, grill and cook for his family and friends, while of course, drinking a Miller Lite and puffing away on his cigarette.  His next passion was for animals, dogs in particular.  Over the years, he has had many dogs and all of them very spoiled and loved.  John will be missed for his sense of humor, quick wit and that cute smirk when he was trying to pull something over on you or wondering, Wow, they believe this!

John is also survived by his aunt, Martha Shelton of Wentzville, nephews, Harding Pund of Lake St. Louis, Craig Harding of Hawaii, Scott Harding of Texas and niece, Kelli Lauletta of Texas; great nephews, Nicholas, Matthew and Alex; great nieces, Emma, Claire, Natalie and Isabel; many cousins, a host of friends and a community that appreciated him and his respect for them in their time of need.  He will be missed by so many that called him Friend.

Preceding him in death are his parents, brother, niece, Elizabeth Pund, uncles and aunts.

John was cremated as per his wishes. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life and Masonic Service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Pitman Funeral Home, 106 Lion Ave, Jonesburg, MO 63351.  Memorials may be made to the Humane Society or donor’s choice.

John lived life to the fullest each and every day.  Here is a Motto to Live by, that is so fitting for John’s life.  “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, “WOO HOO, what a ride!”