Alvin L Harding

Born March 27, 1919 in Pekin to Lee and Pearl Mae (Marriot) Harding, he married Edith Ellnora Stewart on June 10, 1945 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are two grandchildren, Damon L. Gardiner and Chana D. (Brian) Thousand, both of Pekin and four great-grandchildren, Zackery Gardiner, Devin Thousand, Victoria Gardiner and Jaden Thousand.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Gayle Sue Gardiner on July 2, 2005 in Pekin and four sisters, Iola Preston, Eleanor Martin, Pauline Holverson and Helen Strubhar.

Al was a World War II Army veteran.  He was stationed at Fort Shafter, the Army air base adjacent to Pearl Harbor.  A Staff Sergeant, he fought in and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.  He also served in Saipan.

He worked for Commonwealth Edison for 45 years at the Powerton Station, retiring in 1983 as a shift foreman.  He also worked as an electrician and shift engineer.  He was a member of the Powerton Playboys.

Al enjoyed watch and clock repair and provided repair services to several Pekin area jewelry stores.

He was a faithful and devoted member of First Christian Church in Pekin, where he was an elder for more than 50 years.  He also was a former deacon at the church.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  The Rev. Michael K. Roberts will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2008 at the funeral home.  Entombment will be in the Glendale Memorial Gardens Garden of Valor Mausoleum in Pekin, with military rites provided by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin, IL 61554.