George An Harding, age 85, of Okmulgee, gained his wings on September 19, 2023, at 2:20 a.m. He was born on June 1, 1938, in Winslow, Ark. to John and Hanna (Purdue) Harding. George is preceded in death by his parents, eight sisters and two brothers. At the young age of 18, George joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country. He was stationed in Boston, Mass. on the Aircraft Carrier, The Wasp. There, he proudly served from June of 1956 to June of 1959. On January 10, 1958, he married the love of his life Mary Lois McElhannon and had the honor of celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary January 10, 2023. After being discharged, George and Mary returned to Okmulgee to live out the remainder of their days. He worked at Ball Brothers for thirty years. Staying active in life was important to George. He had many friends and loved to go hunting and fishing. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Okmulgee and was also 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rites of Free Masonry in McAlester, a member of the Knights Templar of Muskogee and the Foursquare Church in Okmulgee.
George leaves behind his beloved wife Mary and five children: Georganna Cunningham (John), Anita Harding-Dewhirst (Charles), Deborah Harding-Cato, Teresa Harding all of Okmulgee and Douglas Harding Sr. of Preston. Eleven grandchildren: Robert Sadler, Jr., Christopher Harding (Alison), John Cunningham, David Sadler (Roni), Amber Scott (Will), Tara Booker (Kris), Douglas Harding, Jr., (Rebecca), Daniel Boone June 1, 1938 – September 19, 2023
(Courtney), Kylee Watts (Joe), Richard Boone (Christy), and Rebecca Harjo (Brian); as well as 41 great grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren. George loved his babies very much and found great joy in their family gatherings. In his later years, he was also blessed to have a special lap dog named Boomer. Boomer brought much comfort to George.
Viewing will be held Friday, September 22, 2023, from 12-7 p.m. at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel in Okmulgee. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Eddie Lee McElhannon officiating. Pallbearers are his grandsons, William Scott, Christopher Harding, David Sadler, Douglas Harding Jr., Daniel Boone and Richard Boone. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Sadler Jr., Ryan Sadler, Wyatt Boone, Keegan Harding, Easton Harding- Scott, Blade Grider and Britten Porske.
George was loved and cherished by both family and friends, and he will greatly be missed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on George’s tribute page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
