Dennis Harding Sr

Ancestors

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Biography

CHINA - On Sunday, April 13, 2008, Dennis L. Harding Sr. joined his family and friends at the gates of heaven.He was born in China Village on March 26, 1934, the third child of six born to Lawrence and Gladys (Thurston) Harding.

Dennis had shared 54 years of his life with his wife, Clara. Together they raised six children.

He is survived by one son, Dennis L. Harding Jr. of Florida; five daughters, Kathaleen Harding of China, Belinda Gorneau and her husband, Don, of Winslow, Norma Tunks and her husband, Randy, of Waterville, Beverly St. Germain and her husband, Tom, of Oakland, and Cheryl Mason and her husband, Joe, of China. His life was further blessed with 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His wife and family was his greatest joy. His presence will be missed at the many family gatherings but his spirit will always be felt.

He is survived by five siblings, Muriel Adams of China, Marilyn Levesque and her husband, William, of Windham, Patricia Higgins and her husband, Milton, of Belmont, Priscilla Gould and her husband, Kenny, of Freedom and Nelson Harding and his wife, Donna, of Albion.

Dennis was predeceased by his father, Lawrence, in 1977; his mother, Gladys, in 1980; and his brother-in-law and friend, Albert Adams, formerly of China, in 1994.Among the blessings of family was a special bond with Reggie Blanchard and his family of China. The Harding family would like to acknowledge how much Dennis cherished his relationship with the Blanchard family.

Dennis served in the Air Force in Tulle Greenland during the Korean War. After serving his country he returned to China to work with his father, learning a trade as a contractor. He began his own contracting business and would later work beside his brother running Harding Brother's Construction. Dennis had left his mark around China with the houses he had built and renovations to people's homes during his career as a contractor. Dennis moved his family and business to Massachusetts for 10 years, returning to his childhood home in China Village.Community involvements include several orders of the Masonic Bodies and the Grange. Although both of these organizations were important his real passion was the American Legion. Having served in the Air Force, he was passionate about supporting those that served their country, through his involvement with the American Legion. Dennis never missed a Memorial Day marching in the China Parade showing his respect for his fallen comrades. In the early years, his family would watch proudly as he carried the colors through China Village. As the years passed, he would have the honor of chauffeuring the Gold Star Mothers and Sisters.During his illness Dennis would describe himself as the wealthiest man in China, his family and friends a special gift.

Burial China Village Cemetery Extension China, Kennebec County, Maine, USA

Sources

• Find A Grave Memorial 121413271