John Duane Harding

John Duane Harding of Emporia died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at his home. He was 87.

John was born in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Walter John and Faye Ellen Phillips Harding. He married Marie Elaine Johnson on June 29, 1962, at the North Lawrence Christian Church in Lawrence. She survives.

Surviving family members include his wife Marie Harding of the home; son, David (Kaari) Harding of Emporia; daughter, Michelle (Steve Reedy) Harding of Plano, Texas; grandchildren, Allison (Jon Jensen) Harding of Manhattan, Adam Harding of Emporia, and Kaylee Wellman of Emporia; brother, Wendell (Mary) Harding of Tula Rosa, New Mexico; sisters in law, Sally (Larry) Barnett of Lawrence, and Denise Hahnstadt of Missoula, Montana; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister June Murphy, and brothers Clyde and Galen Harding.

John was a 7th grade Social Studies teacher at Lowther Middle School for 29 years and taught Drivers Education in the summers. He served in the United States Army Reserves. John was a member of the First Christian Church where he held offices in the church as a trustee, facilities, bus driver, usher, greeter and more. He held offices in the Kiwanis Club of Emporia, ENEA, Emporia State Federal Credit Union, and was a member of American Legion Post #5. He also found time to coach recreation soccer through TRYSA.

Cremation has taken place with a Memorial Service to be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the First Christian Church, Emporia, 1702 W 15th Ave. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Food Pantry, or to Emporia High School Spartan Stop for food for the students. Memorials may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.