Harold Anthony “Harry” Wilding, 91, of Jefferson City passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Heisinger West surrounded by family.

He was born August 19, 1933, in Berger, Missouri, the son of the late Anthony and Leona (LaBoube) Wilding.

Harry was a graduate of St. George High School in Hermann. He continued his education at Quincy College receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Business. Harry was past president and lifetime member of Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity.

He served in the U.S. Navy as a Supply Corps Officer achieving the rank of Lieutenant.

On November 21, 1959, he married Patricia Ann Spieker in Jefferson City. They are members of the Cathedral of St. Joseph where Harry was an active member. He was past president and vice president of the Men’s Association, past president and treasurer of the Home and School Association, CCD teacher, Marriage Encounter, Lay Minister, Lector, Usher and participated in Cursillo.

Harry always supported the communities where his family lived. He served in many different capacities including: past treasurer and board member of Jefferson City Jaycees, past secretary and board member of Cosmopolitan International, business division fund solicitor for Jefferson City United Way, Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, Westside Business Association member and past member of the Elks Lodge in Quincy and Jefferson City.

Harry was a firm believer in both the Boy and Girl Scout programs. He served in many different areas since he became a Boy Scout in the 1940’s. A few of those areas included: treasurer, committee chair, advisor, Summer Camp Coordinator and recipient of the St. George Award, District Award of Merit, Scouter’s Training Award and Commissioner’s Arrowhead.

His career included working at Firestone Tire & Rubber, Jefferson City Auto Supply and retiring as manager of McKnight Tire.

Harry’s favorite food was dessert, and his motto was, “Eat dessert first”. As a grandfather, he enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus, hoping his grandchildren would not recognize him.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Wilding of Jefferson City; five children, D ebbie ( Dean) Secler of G rayslake, IL; Doug (Sarah) Wilding of Jefferson City; Janet Wilding (Azar Ashrafzadeh) of St. Louis; Julie (Dan) Miller of Jefferson City; Tim (Melissa) Wilding of Jefferson City; twelve grandchildren, Kevin (Stephanie) Secler, Michelle (Connor) Mize, Chelsea (Andrew) Schutte, Rebecca Wilding, Mallory Wilding, Charlie Ashrafzadeh, Joel Ashrafzadeh, Natalie Ashrafzadeh, Jonas (Lexy) Miller, Harrison Miller, Michael (Ali) Bank, Grace Wilding; five great-grandchildren; Joshua and Daniel Secler, Nolan and Natalie Mize and Adele Schutte; and his sister; Rita (Ed) Drake of Shawnee, KS.

Visitation will be Monday, December 23, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Trimble Funeral Homes Jefferson City.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Stephen Jones officiating. Entombment with military honors will be in Resurrection Catholic Mausoleum.

Memorials may be directed to the Great Rivers Council Boy Scouts.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com.