Henry Harder

(From Fitzgerald Funeral Home)

Henry Louis Harder, 88, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, died peacefully here on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Born on October 8, 1936, in Van Buren, Arkansas, he was the son of the late August Maxwell Harder and the late Nadean Ann (Crawley).

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ramona Frances (Johnson) Harder.

Henry is survived by five children, Karen Elaine Dickinson and her husband Douglas Dickinson, Monica Frances Gibbons and her husband Edward Gibbons, Father Kenneth John Harder, Stephen Henry Harder and his wife Jennifer Lynn (Stracener) and David Thomas Harder; three siblings, August M. Harder, Jr., Mary Ann Easterling and Catherine Judy Guiney; Fourteen grandchildren, Julie Kathryn (Dickinson) Dant (Derek), Andrew Douglas Dickinson (Kelsey), Austin Michael Dickinson (Katharine), Edward Connor Gibbons (Erin), Caitlin Frances (Gibbons) Smitson (Zac), John Henry Gibbons (Caitlin), Megan Anne Gibbons, Henry August Harder, Gabrielle Marie Harder, Kennedy Nadean Harder, Emma Katherine Baldwin, Thomas Henry Harder, Ava McLaine Harder and Hudson Jack Harder; eight Great-grandchildren, William Henry Dant, Beau Francis Dant, Georgia Kathryn Dant, Vincent Andrew Dant, Elijah Douglas Dant, Vivienne Leigh Dickinson, Charlotte Frances Smitson and Hudson Adam Smitson. He was preceded in death by one brother, Vincent Jack Harder.

Henry was a Naval Aviator and served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve for 32 years. He was decorated with several medals and commendations including the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

He was a graduate of Subiaco Academy, Subiaco College (Bachelors), and the University of Arkansas (Masters). He earned his PhD. from the University of Maryland and spent a four-decades long career as a college professor at Anne Arundel College, the United States Naval Academy, and Missouri Southern State University where he served as the English Department Chair for many years. He also attended the University of Tulsa Law School.

The final chapter of his professional career came as he served as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Tulsa from 2000-2006. He served as a board member on many boards including the Catholic Charities Board of Governors, the Catholic Charities Finance Committee, the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Oklahoma, and others.

Henry Harder was the published author of many books and works. Subjects for his works ranged from medieval literature, American folk literature, genealogy and family history, and books published in recent years on the history of Oklahoma Catholic parishes.

You may visit him as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Fitzgerald Southwod Colonial Chapel on Sunday July 20, 2025 beginning at 5:00 PM. The Rosary will begin at 6:00 PM and the public is welcome to attend. Funeral Mass will be at 9:00 AM at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 515 South Morton Avenue in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Henry will be interred at the Fort Smith National Cemetery in his hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 21, 2025

Presiding the funeral Mass will be the Most Reverend Daniel Mueggenborg, Bishop of Reno, Nevada with the Most Reverend David Konderla, Bishop of Tulsa & Eastern Oklahoma. Concelebrating will be the Very Reverend Kenneth J. Harder, JCL and priests of the Diocese of Tulsa & Eastern Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Subiaco Academy. Memorials will be used for Tuition Assistance. Subiaco Academy is a Catholic all-boys school offering a transformative education where faith meets excellence. Young men in grades 7–12 embark on a journey that shape their minds, hearts, and futures.

Donations to the Subiaco Academy Tuition Assistance Fund can be made online.