Mr. Kenneth “Ken” Aaron Harding, 87, passed away peacefully at 6:35 pm Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
Ken was born February 20, 1935, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Aaron and Louise (Thoureen) Harding. He married Dona McKelvie, He later married Christal “Chris” Deann Van Dell on July 7, 1984, in Galesburg.
Ken is survived by his wife of 38 years, Chris of Galesburg; two sons, Mickey “Mick” Harding of Galesburg and Jay A. (Janeen) Harding of Bettendorf, Iowa; his daughter, Lynn Ann (Michael) Cooley of Massillon, Ohio; his stepdaughter, Kerry (McLain) Stewart of Omaha, Nebraska; one sister, Sharon Skeen of East Galesburg, Illinois; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Richard L Harding, Robert Harding, Roland Harding, John V. “Jack” Harding, and Phillip Harding; one sister, Shirley Cedello, and his daughter-in-law, Val Harding.
Ken served in the US Navy from 1953-1956 on the USS Saufley stationed in Key West, Florida, receiving the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.
Ken loved working as a Galesburg Police officer for over 12 years and was the owner and operator of the Lincoln Street A & W. He worked as a carpenter at the Galesburg Mental Hospital for 5 years. Ken later worked for the Department of Transportation as a leadman. Ken was elected as the Knox County Sheriff and served for four years.
Ken was a member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, the VFW #2257, and the AmVets #8. He also was a member of the Alpha Masonic Lodge #155. Ken was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and shared that love with his children and grandchildren. Ken had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He loved to entertain them all and enjoyed taking them on trips. Ken and Chris were snowbirds and looked forward to their time in Florida each year.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel with Military Honors provided by the Knox County Honor Guard. Visitation will be 9:00-11:00 am Thursday at the chapel with Galesburg Police Honor Guard. The burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
