Kenneth Wilson Harder

Kenneth (Ken) Wilson Harder, 84, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026.

Ken was born on February 4, 1942, to Kenneth L. Harder and Ruby Harder in Gibson City, Illinois, before relocating to Shawnee, Oklahoma. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1960 before attending Oklahoma State University.

He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Janette Kay (Mauldin) Harder, whom he married in 1969. Together, they shared over 50 wonderful years, building a life, raising a family, and creating countless memories and experiences. His devotion to Janette was perhaps best summed up at their son Justin's wedding when, asked to dance by a friend of Lance's, Ken simply replied, "I only dance with Janette."

Ken was a proud father of two sons, Justin and Lance. His oldest son, Justin, and his wife, Taryn, blessed him with two wonderful granddaughters, Aspyn and Korbyn, bringing an end to the family's long-standing all-boy streak. Their family also includes a beloved canine companion, Millie. His youngest son, Lance, makes his home in New York's Hudson Valley region, where he shares his life with his own canine companion, Poppy. Both dogs held the special distinction of being Ken's four-legged grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Jackie Larman and her son, Zack, both of Shawnee, and Janis Mauldin of Houston, Texas.

Throughout his working years, Ken spent many years at Shawnee's local western wear store, Unzners—a fitting place for a man whose life was deeply rooted in the western way of life. But Unzners was about more than just selling western wear. It gave Ken the opportunity to do what he genuinely enjoyed: visit with people. He built relationships with customers, struck up conversations, shared stories, and never passed up a good opportunity to shoot the breeze. He later worked at Spirits, another local establishment that gave him plenty of opportunity to visit with folks, before eventually retiring.

Ken's love of horses and rodeo was a lifelong passion and an important part of who he was. Whether riding, roping, or simply swapping stories about horses, rodeo, and the western way of life, it was a world he never strayed far from. His interests also extended to the sidelines, where he enjoyed watching sports and, most of all, cheering on Justin, Lance, Aspyn, and Korbyn whenever they took the field, basketball or volleyball court. Watching his family participate in the things they loved brought him a special kind of pride and happiness.

Ken will be remembered for his love of family, his western spirit, his gift for conversation, and the many friendships he made throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in support of his granddaughter Aspyn Harder's senior project, which includes hosting a benefit softball game on November 11 for A League of Their Own, an Oklahoma co-ed softball league for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities.

More information about the organization can be found at - https://aleagueoftheirownoklahomacom.wordpress.com/