Warren W. Harding

Warren Ward Harding, 87, passed away at his residence in Clive, Iowa on Friday, September 20, 2013.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at the First Baptist Church, 8250 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa with visitation on Monday, September 23, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. Private burial services will be at the Masonic Cemetery.

Warren, son of Orville and Elizabeth (Weakley) Harding, was born October 12, 1925, at Kidder, Missouri. The family moved to Gilman City, Missouri, in 1936. Warren received his schooling at the Kidder Public Schools, Gilman City Public Schools, William Jewell College in Liberty, MO; the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; and Graduate Business School S-L, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Warren received his education at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Lebanon Savings and Loan Association, Lebanon, MO, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, American (Home) Federal Savings and Loan Association of Des Moines, and after 18 years of retirement, served as a home loan consultant to senior citizens in acquiring FHA insured reverse mortgages.

In 1943, at the age of 17, Warren enlisted as an Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he received training in navigation, and received his World War II Honorable Discharge in March 1946. Years of various levels of schooling and education followed. Warren retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Federal Savings and Loan Association in January 1987, following a severe heart attack in October 1986. While with American Federal, Warren was affiliated with many business, civic, and private organizations. Most notably was his business membership on various boards of directors and executive committees of American Federal Savings and Loan Association, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa Savings and Loan League, United States Savings and Loan League, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Civic memberships included, among others, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, Greater Des Moines Committee, Civic Center, Rotary Club, United Way, University of Iowa President’s Club, and University of Iowa Foundation. Personal and private organizations included membership in the First Baptist Church, Masonic orders, Boy Scouts (Eagle), Wakonda Club, Des Moines Club, and Embassy Club. Warren enjoyed fishing and playing golf, and was a member of the Great Golf Society and a charter member of the Fleurfield Golf Society. He held a memorable and enjoyable membership in the DSDOAM Club and the FNH Dinner Club.

Warren is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife, Ileana. They have been married 68 enjoyable years. Also, he is survived by his two wonderful sons and daughters-in-law; Alan K. and his wife Debra K. Harding, and Brian K. and his wife Fran D. Harding. He has seven marvelous grandchildren; Jessica M. (Erik) Butler, Daniel J. Harding, Jennifer L. (Ron) Fritz, Michael K. (Rachel) Harding, Jodi K. Harding, Matthew A. Harding, and Megan Elizabeth Harding; as well as three handsome great-grandsons; Payton Fritz, Bryan Butler (who was born on Warren’s birthday), and Brady Fritz; two beautiful great-granddaughters, Brynn Kaylee Butler and Harper Jo Harding. Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Elizabeth Harding; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hobart and Opal Burrell.

The family wishes to thank the care providers at Walnut Ridge Senior Community Center of Clive and Iowa Home Health Hospice, as well as other nurses and physicians for their care of Warren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church, 8250 NW 62nd Ave., Johnston, IA 50131; American Cancer Society, 8364 Hickman Ave – Suite D, Des Moines, IA 50325; American Heart Association, 1111 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50314; or to Shiners Crippled Children’s Hospitals, c/o Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, 1100 Shriners Pkwy, Altoona, IA 50009. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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