Ivan LeRoy “Pokey” Harding, Jr., age 77,resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, April 18, 2022, at his home. He was born May7, 1944, in Parsons, KS, the son of Ivan LeRoy and Orlean Sampsel Harding. Pokey attended Walnut public schools and graduated from Joint Rural High School Stark, KS with the class of 1962. He graduated from Pittsburg State University Auto Technology School. Pokey served in the U. S. Navy and later the Reserves.
He married Shirley Simon on April 2, 1976. Pokey worked for Quality Chevrolet in Wichita briefly before moving to Ft. Scott. He then worked for Ft. Scott Motors, Shepherd Team Auto Plaza and finally5-Corners Automotive. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Blue Lodge, American Legion, and Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.
Survivors include his wife of 46years, Shirley of the home; a son, John Ivan Harding and wife Helen, Topeka, KS; a daughter, Jeri Keller and husband Jeff, Derby, KS; 2 stepsons, Randy Houdashelt, Ft. Scott, and Jimmy Houdashelt, Parsons, KS; a sister, Carolyn Sinn, Ft. Scott; an uncle, Joe Harding and wife Phyllis, Stark, KS; 2 grandchildren, Ashley and Austin; 2 step grandchildren, Derek and Dillon; 2 step great grandchildren, Aiden and Macie; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct memorial services at 11:30 AM Monday, April 25th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends Monday from10:30 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, POBox347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook atcheneywitt.com.
