Henry Louis Harder

I met Henry Harder when I interviewed for a teaching position at Missouri Southern in the spring of 1989. He must have seen some promise in me because I was soon after offered the job. Henry strongly encouraged me to develop writing and literature courses that drew on my interests and training. I was to discover that Henry based all his teaching decisions on what would best serve our students and of course that sometimes meant taking stances that were not necessarily popular with colleagues...

My life from college forward will forever include the shining figure of Henry Harder. Not only was he a professor and advisor and later colleague, but he was a mentor, a friend, a surrogate father, and my idol. I will be ever grateful for having been blessed with Henry to turn to for so many years. God be with his family. Much love, Becky

My prayers and thoughts are with all you guys. So many fond memories in Joplin, Texarkana, Forr Smith, and Ft Smith Lake. I remember Worlds of Fun in Kansaa City, tractor rides at y'alls home in Joplin, his Javlin, and on and on. So many happy memories. He will always be remembered. Love you Uncle Henry! Mary Boo