Allan David Harding

“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live.

Never cease to stand like the curious children

before the great mystery into which we were born.”

Albert Einstein

Allan David Harding, 92, departed this earthly life during the early night of Monday, March 4, 2024, in his home, grasping the extended hand of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

A memorial service to honor Mr. Harding's life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 8th at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Beaufort.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Allan spent his formative years under the tutelage of Reverend Gottlieb Sieganthaler, rector of St Matthews German Evangelical Lutheran Church. Reverend Sieganthaler instilled in Allan a spiritual enrichment of God and Church. As Allan was always questioning and seeking answers, Reverend Siegenthaler encouraged him to expand his thirst for knowledge and learning through further formal education. Although Allan was accepted by several outstanding schools, including West Point and the Naval Academy, eventually he accepted a full merit scholarship at Johns Hopkins University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree with honors and was a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

After graduation, he joined the Bendix Corporation. In his mid-twenties, Allan led a group of young engineers that launched the United States first synchronous satellite in Teterboro, NJ. This was the beginning of the Race for Space.

Upon his retirement from The Bendix Corporation, Allan was accepted into the Senior Executive Service of the government, where he became Director of Industrial Relations for NASA. He loved the tremendous roar and earth shaking of each rocket launch. It always brought tears to his eyes.

Because of his knowledge of labor law, he was an advisor to the National Labor Relations Board and his opinions were sought out by various agencies throughout the government and private industry.

Allan’s first trip to Carteret County was in the summer of 1943 to visit his uncle who had enlisted in the US Coast Guards. At that time, the Germans were blowing up American freighters crossing the Carteret County shoreline. His uncle’s job was to pick up the bodies. Allan’s lasting impression of Morehead City, however, was the trains running through the center of downtown main street. He had a true passion for trains.

Upon retirement in Carteret County, Allan found peace and joy. He truly loved Carteret County and its people. He found his church community, St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort. He especially loved the Men’s Bible Class, which meant so much to him. The Bible knowledge of the men around him was powerful. He often shared with Barbara what he had learned each Sunday.

Allan and Barbara felt truly blessed to be surrounded by a community full of love and support by the many friends they have made over the years.

He is survived by his bride of 41 years Barbara C Harding, his daughter Kimberly and her husband Scott Wetherell, and his two grandsons Cameron J. Robertson and Brandon E. Robertson. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Wayne Harding and his wife Linda and their daughter Laura in Greenwood, DE.

He is predeceased by his father, Harry Augustus, and mother, Irma Bruchey Harding.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested for your favorite charity or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 100 Ann St., Beaufort, NC 28516.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.