Leon J. Harding

Leon J. Harding, age 80, of Knoxville, PA passed away on Monday, May 22,2023 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on July 22, 1942, the son of Robert T. and Catherine (Everitt) Harding of Osceola. He was a 1961 graduate of Cowanesque Valley HS and was a dairy farmer for many years, growing crops and selling gravel after he sold his dairy herd. He was known for making maple syrup and cream and was a founding member of the Potter Tioga Maple Producers Association. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and driving his vintage vehicles, especially his 1955 Ford Fairlane “Leon’s Lady”, driving his various vehicles or an old peddlers wagon in the parades with his grandchildren. He loved taking his grandchildren (and greats) fishing in the pond and riding his four wheeler or side by side. He attended the El Bethel Fellowship church in Osceola and was a director of the Austinburg Woodlawn cemetery.  

He is survived by his ex-wife, Joan Parker Harding; daughters, Matilda Drake of Knoxville and Malinda (William) Harper of St. Johns, FL; Grandchildren, Matthew (Latisha) Drake of Knoxville, Miranda (Jeremy) Tomb of Dayton, OH, Mary (Philip) Caffo of Knoxville, MD, Mylena (Stewart) Poulton of Henryette, OK, Katherine Harper of St. Johns, FL and Jacqueline Harper of Orlando, FL.  He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Kimberly Tomb of Dayton, OH, Timothy and Leon Caffo of Knoxville, MD, Caleb and Jayden Cone of Knoxville, PA and Jack, Blake and Greyson Drake of Knoxville, PA and a great-great granddaughter, Roselyn Mullen-Tomb. Leon is also survived by his siblings, Philip Harding of Knoxville, Annette (Robert) Scholl of Dillsburg, PA, Lyle Harding of Wysox, PA , Jane (Denny) Loucks of Elkland and Robert Harding Jr. of Osceola; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friends, Kevin (Darlene) Avery and Dennis Mosher. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gene Harding (1947).  

There will be a celebration of life held on Sunday, May 28th at Brookfield United Methodist Church. Calling hours are from 1-2 with the celebration of life at 2pm. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Austinburg, PA at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society by clicking here, the Cowanesque Valley HS chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) or the Tioga County 4H program by clicking here. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, www.kenyonfuneralhome.com

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