Obituary

Harder, Jerry Carroll

Jerry Carroll Harder, age 88, passed away on Aug. 27, 2016, in Plainview, Texas. A private graveside service will be held prior to the 11 a.m. memorial service celebrating his life on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, at First Baptist Church, 205 W. Eighth St. in Plainview, Texas.

Jerry was born in Ralls, Texas on May 25, 1928, to the late James Carroll Harder and Ruth Sparkman Harder. He graduated from Plainview High School in 1945 and attended Texas Tech University where he ran track. Jerry married the love of his life, Wanda Meador Harder in 1948. She preceded him in death in 2008.

He served in the U.S. Navy in Tsingtao, China, before returning home to Plainview. He began working for Ben Smith and Harold Bawden at Smith Bawden Grain until he purchased it with partners in 1960 and formed Southwestern Grain where he remained until his retirement from the grain business and farming. He had a great sense of humor and delighted in pulling pranks and practical jokes.

He was active in the Plainview community and served as a member of the Salvation Army Board, member of the Plainview Memorial Cemetery Board, and served as an usher at First Baptist Church in Plainview. He was a lifetime board member and yearly co-sponsor of the Buyers Dinner for the Hale County Stock Show as well as being the grill master for Red Raider Day.

Jerry is survived by his children: Mike Harder and wife Sharon of Plainview, Lisa Harder Potts and husband Randy of Dallas, Martha Harder Mackay and husband Ian of Plainview. Grandchildren are Amy Harder McGavock and husband Brent, Jordan Harder and wife Ashley, Andy Harder and wife Ashley, Brennan Potts and wife Jenna, Barry Potts and wife Kelly, Lauren Mackowiak and husband Jason, Matt Mackay and wife Marissa. Jerry is also survived by his brother James Harder and wife Kathryn of Lubbock, 10 great-grandchildren and his "good buddies" Tuffy and Zuzu.

The family would like to extend thanks to long term caregivers: Helen Henckel, Josie Zavala, Kristen and Gina.

Memorials may be made to the Plainview Salvation Army, 201 Ash St., Plainview, TX 79072, to the Plainview Humane Society, 500 SW Third St., Plainview, TX 79072 or the Area Community Hospice, 4300 Olton Rd., Plainview, TX 79072. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com .