William G. "Bill" Harding

William G. "Bill" Harding, 85, of Chatham, passed away at 7:49 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Heritage Health. William was born July 21, 1929 in Bluffs, the son of Harry Herschel and Vernita Patton Harding. He married Juanita Fahrenbocker on January 22, 1950 in Springfield. Bill was a 1947 graduate of Cathedral High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked in sales for Bell Telephone, Huber Pontiac, State Farm Insurance, and lastly Shelter Mutual Insurance for 27 years as Sales Manager and Agent in Bonne Terre, MO. He was a Past Master of Samaritan Lodge 424 AF&AM in Bonne Terre, MO and a member of Sword of Bunker Hill Lead Belt Order No. 83. He was commissioned Kentucky Colonel by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; two brothers; and special great-aunt, Belle Harding. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Harding of Chatham; one son, William M. (Gale) Harding of Springfield; one daughter, Vicki (husband, Lynn) Pulley of Chatham; three grandchildren; Mindy and Kristin Pusch of Chatham and Christopher Harding of Florida; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Gathering will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 with Rev. Clint Cook officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.