Orien "Fuzz" Robert Harding

Orien “Fuzz” Robert Harding, 86, died peacefully while slumbering in his bed. His dear friend and neighbor found him Saturday evening. We could not have wished for a better death for him. God is good and merciful.

Born on May 31, 1938 to Gladys and Robert Harding at their home in Altoona, Iowa – Fuzz was “hell on wheels” as they say. He and his younger brother, Edgar, found mischief wherever they roamed. Poor Grandma Harding was beside herself most of the time with her two younger sons of 9 children. Fuzz met his match when Sue Apa came into his life. They dated and married young. After Fuzz did a stint in the Army Reserves and graduated from barber school, the couple’s first adventure was moving to Hawaii where Fuzz attempted barbering with Hawaiian’s that typically wore their hair long. After the birth of their son, Tony, Sue had had enough of bugs and dirt floor homes. She moved back to the mainland – bought a house and sent for Fuzz. This was not the end of his adventures. The couple traveled together, as a family, and sometimes just Tony and Fuzz to give Sue a break. The antics of Fuzz never stopped. His barber shop in Altoona served residents for over 40 years. He was a member of the Altoona Volunteer Fire Department and was know for his pranks around Altoona. Many years later, Fuzz took taking care of Sue after her stroke, very seriously. He was her rock and cared for her every need until he couldn’t. Life was hard with a quiet house and his family in Oregon. Luckily, he was blessed with caring neighbors that were always there for him.

He is survived by his son, Tony Harding; his granddaughter, Kendra (Ted) Bender; his great-grandson, Theo Bender; and his sister, Mary Jane Peterson.

Services will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Altoona. Burial of his cremated remains will follow at Altoona Cemetery.

Rest in peace Fuzz. You will truly be missed.

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