Jon Harding

Jon Harding was the second-born son of Forrest and Jean Harding of Mullen, born September 4, 1946, in Alliance. He grew up south of town on the family ranch, graduating from Mullen High School with the class of ’64.

After a short time playing football at Hastings College, Jon enlisted in the Unites States Marine Corps and did two tours in Vietnam as a member of the elite USMC division of First ANGLICO and was the US air/navy gunfire liaison for the Blue Dragon Korean Marines.

Following an honorable discharge from the Marines, Jon spent a brief time in Wichita with his Marine Corps buddy, Don Schwartfeger, and worked at a Coleman Furnace Factory.

Shortly after coming back to the Sandhills, he worked as a ranch hand on area ranches, building a reputation as a very dependable horseman and cowboy. In 1971, Mary Lou and he were married in Seneca, and continued the tradition of ranch life they both loved.

Two children ultimately made these young kids a family, Leslie Ann and Thomas Jon (TJ).

Jon continued the ranch life for several years, eventually semi-retiring to town, working for Cooley Well Drilling, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

When it became apparent that hard manual labor was becoming more difficult, Jon started making hunting knives with antler handles, which are treasured by many locals and others.

Jon loved the sport of rodeo his entire life and rode rough stock in his younger years. He was a fiercely competitive team roper and calf roper, traveling around the state rodeoing and competing in jackpots and roping clubs in the 70’s and 80’s. The great outdoors was where Jon felt most at home and had a passion for hunting and fishing. His trophy deer collection was a topic of conversation for anyone who stopped by the house.

Jon, age 80, was unfortunately diagnosed with multiple myeloma late in 2025 which brought him to heaven’s doorstep Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law Bob & Judy Hardy, younger brother Tony Lee and sister-in-law Melba, brothers-in-law Arnold Fischer, Jeff Hardy, and Rod Heinzle, and sister-in-law Lois Hardy.

Surviving family includes Mary Lou, Leslie (Mark) Roseberry of Hemingford, TJ (Danielle) Harding of Moorefield, grandchildren: Shontell, Kassidy and Jasper Roseberry, and Morgan and Donna Harding, sister Rita Fischer of Juneau, brother Mick (Midge) Harding of Mullen, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.

Memorial services will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM MT, at the Hooker County Community Center on the fairgrounds at Mullen with AB Cox officiating. Inurnment will be at Cedarview Cemetery with military honors. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Hooker County Library, Cedarview Cemetery, or donor’s choice.