JEFFREY HARDING

 Jeffrey C. “Tex” Harding, age 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Cherry Meadows Hospice.  He was born July 19, 1949 in Neenah, son of the late Charles (Tex) Harding and Gladys (Babe) Zick Harding.

Tex graduated from Neenah High School in 1967 and attended UW-Oshkosh studying Political Science.  He married Cindy Stahl on August 26, 1977, at the top of Scout Mountain, near Pocatello, Idaho.

 Tex enjoyed being with family and friends, hunting, fishing, music, movies, trivia and sports. Growing up in Neenah, he had many fond memories, including time spent at his grandparents' cottage in Pine River.  With his own family, the cottage was frequented with visits, campfires with Tex playing his guitar and harmonica, going to the lake to swim, fish or take the boat out on the water.  He loved his pets immensely and Bruiser, Brea and Willis (the dogs) loved to go to the cottage as much as he did, with hours spent jumping into the river to retrieve balls or sticks. Even the cats (Howie, Cally & Pepper) liked lying in the cottage windowsills. Roscoe played hide and seek with Brea, and Sister, his Siamese, was a loving people cat for many years. He was active in the Boys Brigade, going to Camp Onaway each year. Music was a huge part of his life.  In addition to the guitar, Tex played trombone.  He was a member of the Neenah High School marching band. The stereo or radio were often on, him singing along.  Favorite genres were Blues, Rock and Classical.  He loved history, reading, and TV, absorbing everything, making him a trivia master.  Sports was also a love. He started young pitching in little league ball, his dad as his coach.   In high school, he played football, the team winning the State Championship.  He also was a state champion wrestler.  As an adult, Tex played baseball and pool on community teams. While in Idaho, he coached young boys in football.  When the children started getting involved in baseball, he coached Katie's team for years, and cheered for his son's team.  Tex was a huge Packer and Brewer fan, enjoying games at the field and on TV.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy; daughter, Katie Harding; his grandson, Charlie Harding; a sister, Connie (Jim) Root, nephew Gordon Root, his aunt, Chris (Jack) Inyart, cousin Lynda (Aaron) Bertling, Brother in-laws Jay (Bobbie) Stahl, nephew Michael (Daniel) Stahl and Jamie (Cheryl Blay) Stahl, nephews Zach (Devin) Blay-Stahl, Michael Pankurst, niece Angie (James) Funk. Additionally, he is survived by Randy Glomski, (his sister -in-law's significant other), as well as other great-nephews, a great niece and cousins.

Tex was preceded in death by his son, (Charlie) Charles Austin Harding III, his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Otto and Dorothy Stahl, and his sister-in-law, Cheryl Stahl.

The family would like to thank the staff at Theda Clark, Parkview and Cherry Meadows for the care and kindness given over the past two months.  We want to express extreme gratitude to several exceptional individuals for their professionalism, explanations of the changes happening, support and empathy.  These special people include, Dr. Roselarr, Dr. Brooks, Dr. Abboud, Nurses Crystal, Kate and Maddie, Christina and Beth at Theda Clark; Mary Ann at Parkview; and nurses Kelly and Barb, aides Aimee, Jackie and Melissa at Cherry Meadows. Additionally, the family is so very grateful to friends who took loving care of Charlie during this time.  Thank you so much to Melody, Julie, Kathy, Mark, Vicki and Ashley.

We love you Tex and always will. You are in our hearts forever. Whenever we look up at night, you will shine bright in the sky.

A Celebration of Life will be held and announced on a later date.  In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.