George Harding

Former area resident, George Morris Harding, 79, of Lakewood, Colorado, died Monday evening May 19, 2014 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.

Visitation will be on Friday May 23,2014; 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. with family present and a memorial service will be held Saturday May 24, 2014; 10:30 A.M. at Butler-Volland Funeral Home in Hastings, Nebraska. Burial will be in Cedarview Cemetery, Doniphan. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Doniphan Steakhouse. Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

George was born April 11, 1935 in Doniphan, Nebraska. He graduated from Doniphan High School, and studied mechanical engineering at Hastings College. He joined the Army in 1954, and was assigned to the 4th infantry division. George worked in Germany on helicopter maintenance, then returned and finished up his engineering degree at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

He spent the first several years in the Midwest working on intercontinental ballistic missile sites, then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 60's where he worked for North American Rockwell on the Apollo Space program. He eventually settled in Colorado, working for Coors Brewing Company for 25 years until he retired in 1992 at the age of 58.

George grew up in a racing family and accompanied his father and grandfather to many races as a boy. His grandfather, George Herman Harding, was inducted into the Highbanks Hall of Fame National Midget Racing Museum in 2001.

He enjoyed car racing, ballroom dancing, cruise ship voyages, and traveling the world.

George was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Survivors include:
Daughters:
Chris McDowell - Dallas, TX
Terri Ketcham - Des Moines, IA
Grandchildren:
Aubrey Gibson - Polk City, IA
Wes Ketcham - Des Moines, IA
Great-Grandchildren:
2