John Stewart Harder (Jack), 89, passed away July 19th at Oktibbeha County Hospital. Jack was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 8, 1933 to the late Harold Lynn Harder and Ruth Stewart Harder. Mr. Harder graduated from Little Rock high school and Hendrix College, Conway Arkansas. He was married to Mary Ann (Morton) Harder for 67 years.

He served his nation during the cold war era as a US Army officer and Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) special agent. During his service he was posted to Fort Chaffee, AR, Fort Holabird, MD, Fort Polk, LA, and Fort Hood, TX. Following the military, Jack joined his father in the insurance and real estate business in Starkville in the early 60’s, and later taught the same at Mississippi State University.

Mr. Harder was involved in many civic and church related activities. He was a longtime member and past president of the Starkville Rotary Club, a founder, developer and twice past president of Starkville Country Club, a member of the founders at Starkville Academy, he was also past president of the State Independent Insurance Agents. Jack really enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes (more than 55 years) at First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Savage Bible Class, past member of the administrative board, and was a certified lay speaker for the church. He also had quite the singing voice and was a member of Men for the Master – traveling and singing in many locations.

Jack was also a tutor in the Oktibbeha County schools, a youth soccer coach, and a longtime tennis coach. He even captained his own men’s 4-0 tennis team (known as Jack’s Pack) to national finals in Palm Springs, CA. He loved to fly and was a private pilot with his own Cessna Skyhawk. Golf with friends was a constant in his life and so were Mississippi State sports – all of them. He was also a big supporter of MSU Women’s Basketball, attending most of the team’s events.

He leaves his wife of 67 years, Mary Ann Harder, three children: John Harder, Jr. (Michelle Harder) of Charlotte, NC, Steele Harder of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Hilary Harder Rendon (Andrew Rendon) of Starkville, MS. Three grandchildren; John (JT) Harder, III (Bonnie Harder) of Ramstein AFB, Germany, Kyler Rendon (Dr. Mica Rendon) of San Diego, CA, and Sarah Rendon of Starkville.

Visitation will be Tuesday July 26th 10 AM at Welch Funeral Home Chapel 201 W. Lampkin St., Starkville, MS preceding the service at 11 AM.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS 39759