Paul Harder

Paul L. Harder, age 74 died unexpectedly on 20 January 2025. Paul was born in Port Clinton, OH to Marion and Earlin Harder on 31 October 1950. He lived his younger years in Oak Harbor, OH and was a proud graduate of the Oak Harbor Class of sixty-nine. Paul originally went to a junior college after graduation in Toledo, OH; before enlisting in the United States Air Force in December 1970.

Upon entering the Air Force, Paul spent his entire military and civil service career, 39.5 years in the Financial Management career field. He was first assigned to Randolph AFB, TX as a military pay technician until he received an assignment to Ben Hoi AFB, Republic of Vietnam as a Disbursing Agent in 1972. As Vietnam closed, Paul assisted with the evacuation and closure of the finance office. Since he did not have the required time in the country, Paul was sent to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand to finish his short tour. From there, he was given an assignment to Randolph AFB, TX for 6 years as a Military Pay/Travel technician. Paul met his wife, Rebecca McBride during this tour of duty; and they were married in San Antonio on 18 November 1978.

For the next 31 years, Paul was on special duty assignments. His first special duty took him to Scott AFB, IL where he worked with the Defense Communication Agency (DCA), as a Disbursing Agent paying communication bills for the US Government. Four years later, he was assigned to the American Embassy, Copenhagen, Denmark as a Disbursing Agent. Paul oversaw paying all bills and contractors associated with maintaining the bases in Greenland. His final assignment sent him to Sheppard AFB, TX as an Instructor at the Financial Management Schoolhouse from 1986 up until he retired honorably on 1 January 1995. He immediately was rehired as a civil service Instructor and Supervisor with the schoolhouse. The Air Force relocated the schoolhouse to Keesler AFB, MS, and Paul wanted to be involved in closing Sheppard and bringing up the new facility at Keesler AFB, MS where he finally retired in March 2010 and moved back to Wichita Falls, TX to be with family.

During Paul’s Air Force career, he received numerous quarterly and yearly awards for the dedicated service he provided. He was awarded NCO Supervisor of the Year–1993 Sheppard AFB, TX., Civilian Instructor of the Year-2000 364th TRS, Sheppard AFB, TX., Civilian of the Year-2001 364th TRS, Sheppard AFB, TX., Air Force Comptroller Educator of the Year–2002, Civilian Instructor Supervisor of the Year-2006 335th TRS, Keesler AFB, MS., and Civilian Instructor of the Year–2006 Keesler AFB, MS. Military citations included: AF Achievement Medal, AF Accommodation Medal, Joint Service Accommodation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm device, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Paul was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, parents, stepfather Lyle Boyer; brothers: William, LeRoy, and David; brothers-in-law Bud LaCumsky and Doug McBride. He is survived by daughters; Jennifer Ferguson and Kristin (Chris) Howard; and 4 grandchildren: Cayden and Kinsley Howard; Braelynn and Easton Ferguson; sisters-Shirley LaCumsky, Karen (Ed) Davidge, and Cheryl (Robbie) Hughes; brothers-Allan (Janet) Harder and Russell (Carol) Harder and sisters-in-law Kathy Harder, LuAnn Harder and Becky McBride, numerous nieces and nephews; the families of his three “unofficial-adopted” daughters who always called him Dad--Nikki (Chaz) Tepfer, Holly (John) Lucas, and Cortney (Armando) Fareaux; along with lifelong friends who were like family Craig and Gail Riesberg.

Visitation will be at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls from 6-8 pm on Monday, 27 January. Services will be on Tuesday, 28 January at 2 pm in the chapel of Hampton Vaughan with Gary Ohmstede officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Howard, Cayden Howard, John Lucas, Chaz Tepfer, Armando Fareaux and Craig Riesburg. Burial with full military honors will follow at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Memorial Park. Rest in Peace one avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan!