Louis W. Harding, 67, Gardner, a former Paola and Osawatomie resident, died Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, at Olathe Medical Center.

He was born June 3, 1937, in Garnett, the son of Louise Briggins Sweets. He grew up in Osawatomie and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1956.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.

Mr. Harding lived in Paola about 20 years before moving to the Olathe area, where he lived for about 15 years until he moved to Gardner in 2002.

He was married to Vicky Sanchez on Dec. 6, 1991, in Olathe.

Mr. Harding enjoyed fishing, working with his hands and visiting with family and friends.

A brother was among those preceding him in death.

Surviving are his wife, Vicky Harding of the home; a daughter, Angela Hoyle Earle of Lee's Summit, Mo.; five stepchildren, Paul Dillard and Jordan Dillard, both of Overland Park, Kindra Dillard of Gardner, Teresa McClain of Olathe and Darlene Williams of Shawnee Mission; a sister, Joanne Williams of Independence, Kan.; a brother, John Harding of Wichita; and seven grandchildren.

The family will have a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 2004 at First Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 301 E. Miami St. in Paola. Arrangements are by Wilson and Son Funeral Home of Paola.

Memorials may be made in his name to the American Heart Association.