Harder, Edward B. (1891-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Mar 26 p. 8

Birth date: 1891 May 21

text of obituary:

EDWARD B. HARDER

Edward B. Harder was born in Charles and Helena Witzke Harder on May 21, 1891, at Latham, Mo. His parents had come to the States from Germany a number of years before his birth. He passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack January 22, 1964, at the age of 72 years, eight months, and one day.

He was converted at the age of 23 and joined the Mennonite Church. He spent his youth in Missouri and was a student at Hesston College, Hesston, Kan., from 1913 to 1915.

After spending some time in California, he returned for his marriage to Mary E. Shearer of Jackson, Minn. on Nov. 29, 1947. To this union were born two daughters, Miriam (Mrs. Melvin H. Bowers) of Upland, Calif. and Ruth, (Mrs. Chester E. Slagell) of Featherford, Okla. The first two years of their married life were spent in California, after which they returned to Missouri where he farmed until 1928. Following this the family resided in Texas for four years and in 1932 moved to Upland where he lived until his death.

Ed was a loyal member of his church. His interest centered in promoting the Lord's work. He was a charter member of the Mennonite Church that was first organized in North Pomona in 1933, and later was moved to Upland. He served the church in various capacities, having been elected to the office of deacon on July 2, 1950, which office he held at the time of his passing. He also served for many years as Sunday school superintendent and teacher, and later was church custodian and grounds caretaker.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his two daughters; six grandchildren; three brothers, John of Blue Sky, Alberta, Reuben of Leonard, Mo. and Jonas of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and four sisters, Lydia, Edna, and Emily of Colorado Springs, and Melva of Hesston, Kan. Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, Henry, and two sisters, Eva and Sophia.

He leaves a host of friends who regarded him as an untiring and faithful co-worker in building the Lord's kingdom.