Cover photo for Joseph Rufus Harding's Obituary
Joseph Rufus Harding Profile Photo

Joseph Rufus Harding

August 10, 1941 — December 9, 2024

St. Joseph

Joseph Rufus Harding

Joseph Rufus (Possum) Harding went to rest in the arms of our Lord on Monday, December 9, 2024, joining his loving wife, Pat.

A gathering of family and friends will be held 4-7 PM Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Saturday, December 21, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church-South, 5353 S Roosevelt Rd, Stevensville, MI 49127. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alex Mandarino Foundation, 3158 Estates Place North, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Joe was born to Joseph and Christine (Ward) Harding on August 10, 1941 in Patterson, Arkansas. He was the oldest of seven children. Early in life, he moved with his family to Southwest Michigan. Joe was a member of the last graduating class of Stevensville High School. He cherished the life-time friendships that he has shared with the remaining members of his high school class, proud to be a Lancer all of his life.

Joe was part owner of Chickhaven Bar. He was bartending one evening when he met Patricia Hanley, a local nurse. They married on Saturday, May 31, 1969. The next 53 years were filled with love and devotion. Together, they raised a blended family including three children from Joe’s first marriage along with three children from their marriage.

Joe was a loyal and hardworking entrepreneur and employee. He began working at a young age and spent over 60 years supporting his family and pursuing his dreams. He owned several businesses, including Chickhaven and Possum's Vending Services. He also had a long and successful career at Vail Rubber Works, Inc., eventually becoming Vice President of Manufacturing. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute to the company.

After retiring, Joe and Pat spent their summers in St. Joseph, Michigan, and their winters in North Hutchinson Island, Florida. They became active members of the Ocean Resorts community, forming lasting friendships. They enjoyed socializing with the "Driveway Drinkers" and playing Bingo at the Elks Lodge #1520.

Joe was a dedicated leader of the OR Board of Directors. He served multiple terms as President, always prioritizing member concerns. Known for his calm demeanor and thorough research, he ensured accurate information and acted in the best interest of the community. Even after his presidency, people sought his advice and trusted his guidance.

Joe was a skilled handyman who valued frugality. He enjoyed fishing, often joining Tom Anstey on his houseboat or taking annual trips to Canada. Joe and Pat were known for their legendary Notre Dame football tailgating parties, welcoming friends and strangers alike. Spending time with his family was a source of great joy for Joe, and he was always proud of their accomplishments.

A listening ear and honest advice is what Joe prescribed to in all parts of his life. As his children, we always knew Dad would have time for us. He would never tell us what to do with our difficulties. He would simply listen to us and help us to see what the right answer was in his kind and gentle way. He was a family man, making many sacrifices for his family. We would often hear Dad tell us kids, “work hard and treat everyone with kindness,” and to his grandchildren, he would say, “You’ve got your whole life to work. Study and have some fun.” Every one of us kids and grandchildren are not just losing a Dad/Grandpa/Papa in Joe’s passing. We are losing a dear friend in what he gave us so unselfishly.

Joe's enduring advice: Treat others with love and kindness, forgive, help those in need, cherish what you have, work hard, and express your love often. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, kindness, and hard work will live on.

Joe is survived by his children: Allen Harding, Kim Harding, Melissa Gibson, Angela (John) Martin, Kerri (Doug) deBest, Vail (Jackie) Harding; 11 grandchildren: Mariko (Matt) Moersch, Lexi Harding, Stephanie Poplawski, Joely Gibson, Nathan Poll, Lily Martin, Madelynn deBest, Grace deBest, Connor Harding, and Cameron Harding: two great granddaughters: Sierra and Sinceria; two great grandsons: Milo and Wesley; his sister, Louise McLean; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Pat; parents, Joseph and Christine Harding; brothers: Billy Joe, Howard, John, and Ronnie Dale; one sister, Carolyn Fay; and two grandsons: Tyler Harding and Josh Martin.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Rufus Harding, please visit our flower store.

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Thursday, December 19, 2024

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel

9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

St. Joseph Catholic Church - South

5353 S. Roosevelt Rd., Stevensville, MI 49127

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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