Robert "Bob" W. Harding

Robert “Bob” Walter Harding, age 90, of Murphysboro, Illinois passed away on March 23, 2024, peacefully at home.

Bob was born on April 22, 1933, to the late Rev. Walter and Cleva (McCracken) Harding in Raymond, Illinois.

Bob attended Carlinville and graduated from Ashland, (Illinois) High School.

During the Korean War, he served stateside for the Army doing surveying and mapmaking. On the GI Bill, he earned his degree from California College of Arts and Crafts, bicycled around Europe for a year, and settled in Norway for 9 years. He moved back to the Midwest and had a successful career in commercial art. You have seen his art, but you never knew it.

Bob married Marcella “Marcie” Hurley in September of 1973 in Evanston, Illinois and to this union came one daughter, Elisa. Bob was a dedicated father and family man. His hobbies included elaborate model trains, making statues, painting and sitting through endless recitals for his child and grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and 40 and 8, enjoyed target shooting and working outdoors. Bob always took opportunities to travel and had a long list of visited states and countries.

In his later years, he introduced himself to everyone proudly as “Grandpa”. He is survived by his daughter, Elisa (Daniel) Hummer; his beloved granddaughters, Mia, Elizabeth and Evelyn; two nephews, James and David Gibson; one niece, Ellen Chumley. Marrying into his wife’s family gave him extended family too numerous to name.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Willa; his brother, Dean; wife, Marcie.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held on April 6, 2024 with a visitation at 3:00 pm, service starting at 4:30 pm at Southern Cremation and Burial Services, 1017 North 14^th Street, Murphysboro, Illinois with Minister Sarah Richards, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rotary study abroad scholarship fund, for US high schoolers:
Rotary District 6510
David Gornstein
D6510 RTW Scholarship
718 St. Nicholas Dr.
O'Fallon, Illinois 62269

Professional Services were Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.