Wilson “Butch” Howard Harding was born the first of twins on March 24, 1962, to his parents, Joseph H. and N. Ann Harding, in Indianapolis, IN. Butch attended and graduated from John Roberts, School 97, in 1981.
Wilson, a.k.a., Butch, or Sir Wilson, was a joy to be around, he was the jokester of the family. Despite his physical impairment, he lived his life to the fullest. His Mother said to him, I am going to buy a house, Wilson, that way you will always have a home. Wilson said that’s all well and good Mother, but I am getting my own place and he did. He lived on his own and maintained his home for a number of years.
In Wilson’s younger years he was the poster child for Easter Seal. Wilson was also an activist for the disabled, travelling to Washington, D.C. to be a participate in a march on Washington for disable rights. Wilson had many travels, he went White water rafting, he visited Canada, on his own. He went to all the Black Expos and attended the State fair every year that he was able. Wilson was employed and worked for Kmart as a greeter, he also worked for Pizza Hut taking orders via the phone. Wilson’s hobbies, found him always looking for a job and breaking out of the homes in which he lived, and most of all singing along with the family at all of our gatherings.
Wilson gave his life to Christ and was a member of the Circle City Church where he was a Sunday School teacher, a teacher for Vacation Bible School, also worked with their Senior Group. He attended conferences for his church in Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. He was well loved by his church family.
Wilson made the dash between the beginning and the end mean something to everyone who knew him. His living was not in vain. He never felt sorry for Wilson always asking what he could do to help others.
Wilson had two young men from his church that looked after him. His family never had to worry because those two young men exemplified how a true Christian ought act. One of the brethren preceded him in death, Chris, and the other one, John Elliott, stepped up and never missed a beat. Our family owes you a debt of gratitude for always being there for Wilson, carrying him wherever he needed to go, especially to and from church. John you are always welcome at our table.
On November7, 2018 in the early morning hour, Jesus touched Wilson with His finger of love and said your work on earth is done, come with me and I will give you sweet rest safe in my arms. Wilson answered the call and went to join those who preceded in death, both of his maternal grandparents, and paternal grandparents, his father, Joseph Harding, and two siblings, Ladye M. Parker and John Toby Houston.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Mrs. N. Ann Harding; his twin brother, William H. Harding, Ft. Wayne, IN; brothers: Joseph M. (Michelle) Harding, San Mateo, CA., Marrio S. (Tehea) Harding, Brownsburg, IN; Chrisman Harding, Indianapolis, IN. Sisters: Karen A. (Gary) Payne, Indianapolis, IN; Marguerite and Victoria Maddox, Indianapolis, IN. One aunt, Margrette Bates, Louisville, KY. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews. So many extended family friends. Special friends, John Elliott and Mr. & Mrs. Cord and Bonita Hale. Wilson had a “special” Aunt Sandra that was a part of his life while he was in school and well into his adult life.
This is not the end of Wilson’s story, it is the beginning of his eternal life with Jesus. Good night Butch, we will see you in the morning.