Donald "Don" R. Harding

Donald R. "Don" Harding

Donald R. "Don" Harding, age 76,  passed away at home on Thursday, April 7, 2016, surrounded by the family he loved dearly.  Don was born in Ridgely, MD on September 11, 1939, to the late William L. and Evelyn Harding.

Don graduated from Preston High School in 1957, and went immediately into the Army with the 101st Airborne Division.  He was discharged in April of 1960, and upon arriving back in Maryland, met his wife Marti on April 16, 1960, and later married on December 7, 1961.  Don was a member of the Preston Volunteer Fire Company, and delivered the  first baby in the back of the ambulance on the way to the hospital. 

Don was in the trucking business all of his life, and worked for various trucking companies over the years, until he started his own company, D & B Transportation.  He owned and operated D & B from 1983 until his retirement in 2008.  Upon retiring, Don loved to travel with his wife Marti and see the country.  They enjoyed riding his Harleys and taking trips.  Don loved being outdoors, and always kept busy.   He was never the type to be cooped up inside or sit still. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop, cutting his grass, going to meetings or bike shows, or just hanging out with family and friends.  He loved people and always had a grin on his face.  He loved his wife, kids, and grandkids.  His ornery nature and great sense of humor will forever be missed by all that knew him. 

Don was active in various clubs and even served in leadership positions for organizations such as A.B.A.T.E (American Bikers Aiming Toward Education), Harley Owners Group, Harrington Moose Lodge #534, American Legion, and the VFW.     

In addition to his parents and wife, Marti Harding, Don is predeceased by a grandson, Steven James Hydock.

Don is survived by sons, Eric (Shirley) Harding of Harrington, Greg (Lora) Harding of Milford, Kevin (Cathy) Harding of Milford; daughter, Valerie Hydock of Milford; brothers, William Harding of Milford, Ray Harding of Seaford; sister, Patricia Wright of Greenwood;  grandchildren, Shawn, Daniel, Brianna, Rachel, and Ryan Luke Harding.

Funeral services will take place at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 1 PM, with interment following at Milford Community Cemetery.  A visitation for family and friends will take place two hours prior to the service.

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.

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