Lou Harding, 75

Louis “Lou” W. Harding, 75, of Pioneer, and formerly of Norwalk, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning as the result of a motor vehicle accident.  He was born on September 4, 1939 in Norwalk, Ohio to William Alonzo and Mary Loretta (Logan) Harding.  Lou proudly served his country in the United States Navy.  On August 9, 1996 he married Shirley R. Young and she survives.

After his time in the Navy Lou worked for General Telephone Company for many years.  He also worked as a deputy for the Huron County and Williams County Sheriff’s departments.  While in Norwalk he was also an EMT.  He later became a Police Officer in Pioneer and West Unity.  Lou was a member of the American Legion in West Unity, the Montpelier Moose, the Bryan Eagles, Grand Council Royal & Select Masons of Ohio Wauseon Council 68, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Wauseon Chapter 111 and The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Ohio Roby Lodge Number 0534 in Monroeville.  Lou was a great story teller and he loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; three daughters, Cheryl (Don) Broadwater of Montpelier, Jill DeWilde of Bryan and Chris (Ryan) Brightbill of Pioneer; two sons, Brent (Paula) Campagna of Washington Courthouse, Ohio and Michael (Joelle) Liedtke of Kent, Ohio; six granddaughters, eight grandsons and six great grandchildren.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Lou will be on Tuesday December 30th from 2-7pm at the Thompson Funeral Home in Pioneer, with a 7pm Masonic Service by the Monroeville Masons Roby Lodge #534.  Funeral services will be on Wednesday at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Jim Halleron to officiate, Military Honors will be provided by the Montpelier Veterans.  Donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or to the Williams County Humane Society.