Larry Frank Harding, 69, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital of Blue Springs, after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 15th at Faith United Methodist Church, Grain Valley, MO; burial in Valley Memorial Gardens, Grain Valley. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 14th at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Faith United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Larry was born on May 29, 1937, in Goodland, Kansas, the son of Frank and Esther (Middleton) Harding, He married Opal A. Gilmore on October 20, 1961. Larry was a schoolteacher and retired from the Fort Osage School District after 30 years of service. While there, he was the head boy’s basketball coach for several years. Larry was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley. He was an avid golfer and loved his KU Jayhawks. Larry also loved spending time with his 7 grandchildren.

His survivors include his wife of 45 years: Opal A. Harding of the home; Twin daughters: Kyla Grant & her husband, Larry of Oak Grove, MO, and Karla Kindred & her husband, Robert of Houston, TX; one son: Brent Harding & his wife, Susie of Sterling, VA; Two brothers: Floyd Harding and Bruce Harding; Two sisters: Carol Short and Cynthia Hayden; His mother-in-law: Blanche Gilmore; Seven grandchildren: Lauren & Eric Gant; Carter, Brady, Marissa & Reece Kindred; and Rebekah Harding; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.