Stewart Harding

Leslie Stewart Harding, was born March 1, 1930, in Ft. Worth, Texas to parents George Leslie and Mona Kuykendall Harding. He graduated from Denton High School in 1947 and enrolled in North Texas State Teachers College at Denton, majoring in Secondary Education. He continued his education until January 1951 when he entered the Air Force's pilot training program. On the morning of June 21, 1952, Stewart received his wings and commission as a Second Lieutenant and was now free to marry. Later that afternoon in the Craig Air Force Base Chapel, Leslie Stewart Harding married Roxana Lee Leonard, his wife of more than 60 years. He was assigned to a Strategic Air Command Fighter Wing, which was ordered to Japan for six months temporary additional duty. In 1953 he was attached to the ARDC -- Nuclear Test, and assigned Top Secret duty at Eniwetok Atoll where he participated in atomic cloud sampling after the detonation of nuclear bombs, thus making him an Atomic Veteran of the United States Air Force. Stewart resigned his active duty in 1955 as a First Lieutenant, but remained in the Air Force Reserve until exiting the service in 1966 as a Captain. Stewart accepted employment with International Harvester in 1957, beginning his sales career in its truck division and worked in various capacities with International Harvester/Navistar until his retirement in the early 1990s. Through the years, his interest in antique cars led to his hobby of restoring numerous vintage cars. Eventually Stewart became active in Tulsa's early V-8 Ford Club, driving his restored cars in parades, making them available for auto shows, and served as president for a period. For several years, he and his family spent as much time as possible at Ft. Gibson Lake. Stewart was involved with his Denton High School graduating class, keeping in contact with his classmates through frequent reunions and other related class activities. For 53 years, he was an active member of the Oklahoma Masonry, the Tulsa Scottish Rite, and Akdar Shrine. More recently, he enjoyed his time as a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross. Stewart is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roxana Harding; his brother, Keith Harding; his daughters Linda Harding Brillhart and Laura Ann Harding Peddicord, and son, Les Harding, their spouses; six grandchildren, Leslie Brillhart Koch, Greg Brillhart; Drew Harding; Parker Peddicord; Carson Peddicord; and Sawyer Peddicord; two great grandchildren, Jensen and Jase Koch, and two nieces, Barbara Harding Erwin and Cindy Harding-Woodhull. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Kirk Harding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stewart's name to the American Red Cross or a charity of your choice.

Stewart Harding

March 1, 1930 - April 5, 2016