Clarke T. Harding, Jr, MD, Col, USA (Ret), born January 4, 1931, passed away on May
24, 2023 at the age of 92 in Glen Carbon, IL.
Born in Baton Rouge, LA to Clarke T Harding, Sr and Martha (né Fisher) Harding
his family moved to Hillside, NJ while he was a young child. Following graduation from
Hillside High School he earned a Bachelors degree from Cornell University in 1952. He
then matriculated at Temple University Medical School, Philadelphia, PA. While a
medical student he married Nancy Jean McIver, whom he had met on a blind date
while at Cornell, in 1953 embarking on a 62 year marriage. He earned the MD degree in
1956 graduating in the top 10% of his class.
Dad accepted a commission in the US Army immediately after graduation and
completed his residency in Pathology at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Denver, CO. His
20 year Army career included a 13 month deployment to Vietnam in 1965 - 1966 where
he was involved in combat operations as a member of the famed First Calvary Division,
earning the Combat Medical Badge. His Army career included leadership positions at
multiple Army medical facilities around the US. Following retirement from the Army he
entered civilian medical practice in the St Louis, MO area for the next 17 years.
He completely retired from medical practice in 1993 but remained active. Dad
greatly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He avidly pursued
bird watching, crossword puzzles, coin collecting, reading, gardening, travel, and golf.
During his early retirement years he extensively researched the family's genealogy,
eventually publishing his findings in a nearly 2 inch thick tome.
Clarke is predeceased by his parents and wife. He is survived by his sisters
Martha Ann Jamieson (Jim) and Harriet Crosgrove Kastelic (Bob), by his children Clarke
Harding III (Linley), Peter Harding (Mary), Edward "Ted" Harding II, and Elizabeth Leigh
Schwenk (Matt), by grandchildren Brennan Frank, Logan Schwenk, Taylor Schwenk,
Bailey Harding, Mitchell Harding, Madi Foster, Meredith Harding, and Hannah Garcia,
and by six great grandchildren.
Dad was a reserved gentleman of few words who kept his own counsel. He did
not boast of his many accomplishments or place himself above others. He was the
cornerstone of the family, providing love and wise guidance to his children and
grandchildren. Dad is dearly missed but his presence remains strong throughout his
family. He lives on in our memories and our hearts.
Burial service will be private. Remembrances in Clarke's name may be made to
the charity of your choice.