Rev. Kenneth E. Harder

Kenneth E. Harder, a pastor in Baptist churches for 50 years, went to be with his Lord on September 23, 2006, following a battle with Parkinson's Disease for several years. Visitation will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 26 at the First Baptist Church of Higginsville, MO. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 27 at the church. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Baptist Home, P.O. Box 87, Ironton, MO 63650, or to the Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland, 7800 Foster, Overland Parker, KS 66204. Pastor Kenneth was born September 2, 1928 in St. Louis, MO. He received his degree in history from William Jewell College in 1951 and received his Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Seminary in 1961. He was ordained in 1948 and served churches in Texas, Iowa, Colorado, and Missouri. He served as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Higginsville for 18 years. Accompanying his 50 years of service as a pastor, he also served the denomination in many other leadership capacities. Kenneth was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Jean Harder; two children, Kenette Harder, and Brian Harder and his wife Cathy; grandchildren, Amber Cartier, Cory Harder and Kelly Harder; great grandchildren, Hannah and Adelyn Cartier; a brother, John Harder; four sisters, Alice Cox, Juanita Hatch, Margaret Taff, and Betty Hildreth; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. (Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 816-781-8228).