Donald Harding

Donald D. Harding passed away peacefully at the home he shared with the love of his life LaNona, on Friday, March 30, 2018 following a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born February 25, 1939 to Dave and Esther (Kober) Harding in their old rock house north of Jerome, Idaho. His only sibling, and older sister Irene, never called him by any name other than Sonny. However, he was a part of a very large extended and close-knit family of Harding's, and Kober's - too many to name, but all of which remained close throughout his life. His formative childhood and teen years were spent working on the family farm, fishing or raising Cain with his multitude of cousins.

Following a three year stint in the Army, Don returned to Jerome and shortly thereafter went with friends to Hagerman to a dance, where he was swept off his feet and met his lifetime companion, LaNona Neider. After six weeks they were engaged and married five months later. They remained inseparable for 54 years and their union resulted in two amazing offspring - daughter Keri and son Jared.

For 23 years Don and LaNona farmed north of Jerome with his family. But in 1986, tired of just eeking by, they sold everything and moved to Boise where Don rejoined the military and worked for the Air National Guard until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, they returned to their friends and family in the Magic Valley.

Don and LaNona loved to garden, creating their own backyard oasis that was the envy of everyone who saw it. Cards and puzzles were a particularly favorite pastime and during the long winter months while farming, a puzzle would always be in progress on a card table to keep Don's hands and mind busy. He also spent hours playing solitaire, sipping at his cup of tea. Hundreds of decks of cards were worn down until he thought  them "just right" - frayed on the edges and numbers barely legible.

Don especially loved building projects. He said if he ever won the lottery he would be like Mrs. Winchester and spend the rest of his life remodeling and building on to his home - creating his own castle. Another passion was his love of Western history, particularly Idaho and Western American Indians.

Don took his family on many vacations. Anxious to get the road trip started, he was known to load up the family vehicle and head out in the wee hours of the night or early morning to get started on the adventure. LaNona and Keri asleep in the back of the van and Jared as copilot. Dad - it's you and Jared in the front leading the way again!

Don is survived by his wife LaNona, daughter Keri Moran and son-in-law Brad Ooley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Esther Harding; sister, Irene Olsen, and son, Jared.

No funeral or services will be held, but please join LaNona, Keri and Brad for a hosted dinner and memorial Celebration of his Life at El Sombrero Restaurant, 143 West Main Street in Jerome on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite animal rescue charity.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Don's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.