Robert Eugene Harding

Robert (Bob) Harding passed away on September 25, 2026, at Yampa Valley Healthcare Center, formerly known as the Sandrock Ridge Care and Rehabilitation Center, in Craig, Colorado. He was born on October 3, 1943, at the Methodist Hospital in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and grew up in Gering, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school in 1962.

While in high school, Bob excelled at shotput and discus. During these years, he was also a part of the production of “Oklahoma.” Bob built an 8-foot long, 6-inch diameter telescope and installed it on the roof of his father’s plumbing shop. He spent many evenings climbing up there and enjoying the stars.

At the University of Wyoming, Bob completed a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and range management. Bob and Ruth Buckendorf were married on December 27, 1965, at the First Methodist Church in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Bob enlisted in the Air Force where he served from 1967 – 1971. Much of this time he was stationed in Libya and England.

Bob was employed at the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming. He also owned several horses until they became too expensive to keep. For many years his job included 10% Law Enforcement. Bob continued his refuge work at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado.

Bob was actively involved in the Maybell Community Bible Church in Maybell, Colorado. He sometimes preached there, participated in pastoral training, sang in the choir, did janitorial work, did some plumbing work (learned from his father) and took great care of their lawn.

Bob retired from Brown’s Park in January 2013. He then moved from required government housing and purchased his first home in Maybell. He continued his involvement with the Maybell church until he had to move to Sandrock (now Yampa). He also enjoyed regular visits from two longtime friends he made soon after moving to that part of Colorado. He always enjoyed visiting with people, singing either by himself or with others in church there, and relishing all the chocolate bars he won playing Bingo!

Robert is survived by his older brother Jim (Pauline) of Cedar Falls, IA; by his nieces Sherry of Pekin, IL; Sandra of Madison, WI; Audra, of Tucson, AZ; by the wife of his nephew Dwight (Jessica) and by his grand-nephew Rowen, both of Tucson, AZ.

Robert was preceded in death by his former wife Ruth, by his parents, James and Elsie Harding, by his younger brother, David and his wife Kathy, and by his nephew Dwight.

Memorials may be sent to Maybell Community Bible Church, P.O. Box 171, Maybell, CO 81640-0171 or directed to the church through Richardson Funeral Home, 615 Main St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613.