Jerry Ray Harder

Jerry Ray Harder (JRH), age 61, of Canton passed away on August 18, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center with his family by his side after a short heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Akron, Ohio on September 20, 1945. He was a graduate of Jackson High School who served 3 years in the U.S. Army. He worked 5 years at Ohio Power and retired from Ohio Edison after 32 years of service as a line foreman in Massillon. After retiring, he was blessed by being employed part-time mowing greens and playing lots of golf at Chippewa Golf Course. He and his wife have enjoyed the past five winters in Myrtle Beach golfing and relaxing at the beach. He was the grand champion for the state of Ohio in showing horses in the English class in his early teens. Throughout the years, his hobbies were motorcycle racing, jogging, lawn maintenance and golf. He took pride in everything he did and was a man of impeccable integrity. He was a role model and dedicated father to his children and grandchildren and touched the lives of all that he knew. He will be greatly missed but will live forever in the hearts of all his family and friends. He loved the Lord, his family, his work, his golf, his life and especially his grandchildren. Long lives Poppy! He is preceded in death by his beloved Grandma and Grandpa Mann, father Norwood H. Harder and his brother Norwood L. Harder. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Harder, his beloved wife of 41 years Nancy (Cameron) Harder, his son and daughter-in-law Thomas and Megan Harder, his daughter and son-in-law Sharyn and Robert Ball, his beloved grandchildren Drew, Brennan, Nathan, and soon-to-be Jenna Rae Harder (JRH) along with Molly and Nicholas Ball. He will be sadly missed by brother Robert (Gretchen), sister-in-law Christine Harder, sister Nancy (Ray) Isla, brother Richard (Debbie), brother-in-law Roger (Janet) Cameron, sister-in-law Linda (Bill) Weyrick and 43 nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rivertree Christian Church at 7373 Portage St. NW, Massillon, Ohio 44646 or Mercy Hospice at 7568 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720 in memory of Jerry Harder. Those wishing to share their condolences or a fond memory may visit the Jerry Harder blog site at http://jerryrharder.blogspot.com. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 23rd at Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m. A memorial service will begin immediately following at 8 p.m. with Pastors Greg Nettle and Taylor Williams officiating. Paquelet Funeral Home A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-3222 www.paquelet.com