George T Harding IV

The eldest son of Dr. George T. Harding III and Mary Virginia Woolley Harding, Dr. Harding was born, January 13, 1929, in Columbus, Ohio. He was raised in Worthington, next to the Harding Hospital campus, the psychiatric hospital founded by his grandfather, Dr. George T. Harding II, in 1916.

As a young man, George excelled in basketball, academics and helping at the hospital. He had a passion for history and politics and studied history and pre-med at Washington Missionary College, Pacific Union College and LaSierra College, Seventh-Day Adventist universities. He completed medical education at Loma Linda University Medical School, where he met and married the love of his life, Joanne Loveless, a nursing student at Loma Linda University.

He served in the US Army, took his psychiatric residency at the Menninger Foundation, returned to Worthington and joined his father, two uncles and brother to practice psychiatry and eventually led Harding Hospital as Medical Director.

Dr. Harding had five daughters. He learned to let go of having a George V, and appreciate the gifts the Creator gave him through his daughters’ adventurous and humanitarian paths.

In 1977 He took on the psychiatric treatment of Billy Milligan, the complex multi personality patient, when others were reluctant to care for a “con man” and sexual assault criminal. When faced with opposition, George Harding did the right thing. He was a man of honor, ethics and integrity.

He loved Worthington, and he worked with community leaders to develop the city’s Bicentennial Celebration, with a horse drawn wagon train, and commissioned play, The Scioto Company, a drama based on the founders of Worthington.

His colleagues regarded him as a brilliant man, appreciating his excellent speaking skills, his professional, community and church leadership as well as his swift sense of humor.

His faith in God and his commitment to the church has been his constant north star. After the merger of Harding Hospital with the Ohio State University in 1999, he returned to Loma Linda University as interim Chair of the Psychiatric Department. He co-taught residents with colleague and friend, Dr. John Tarr, and developed, along with other mental health professionals, trainings for faith leaders to counsel the people in their care.

He enjoyed a fresh look at his great uncle, Warren G. Harding’s legacy, with recent historical writings, the centennial celebration and opening of the new presidential library in Marion, Ohio.

He reveled in family reunions at Lakeside, Ohio—making peach ice cream, playing shuffleboard, enjoying Ohio sweet corn and doting on his grand and great grandchildren. He is cherished and will be loved forever.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6

Predeceased by his brother Herndon, Dr. Harding is survived by Joan, his wife of nearly 70 years; his siblings—Anne Hoxie, Warren Harding and Richard Harding;—and his daughters—Pamela Libby (James Libby deceased), Mary Ann Schaepper (Hans Schaepper), Carolyn Harding (Steven Meizlish), Julia King, and Elizabeth Harrington (Brian Harrington);—12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren.

California Memorial service and reception, Friday, June 17, 12pm at Loma Linda University Church, Loma Linda, live streamed, lluc.org. Viewing 4-8pm at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary. dignitymemorial.com

Ohio Memorial Service, Friday, July 29, 6pm at Worthington Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Worthington worthingtonoh.adventistchurch.org.

Info at schoedinger.com.

Kindly send gifts in honor of Dr. George T. Harding IV to the Harding-Buller Foundation of Worthington, promoting the integration of spirituality and mental health, wellness and nutrition. Checks can be made out to: Harding-Buller Foundation of Worthington, 430 East Dublin-Granville Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Harding family.