Harley Merle Ard, 88, of Topeka, passed away February 4, 2018 at his home. He was born in Osage City, Kansas on February 22, 1929 to Elmer and Marie Ard. He grew up in Osage City and married Iva Jean Griffin on December 8, 1948. They have lived in the Osage county area most of their lives.
He worked at the Lyndon Broom factory for many years. He was employed at Ohse Meat Products when he moved to Topeka in 1967. He then worked for J.R. Schnebly as property manager for many years and Essex for 25 years as a foreman until the plant closed. He retired as head custodian at Washburn Rural Middle School.
He was a shade tree mechanic even when he could no longer physically do the work. He loved to read the newspaper from front to back and over again. He loved his family deeply and enjoyed his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Jean; his children: Shirley (Larry) McCollum of Silver Lake, KS, Gladys (Boyd) Woodyard of Osage City, KS, Marie (Bruce) Culbertson of Carbondale, KS, Merle (Cathy) Ard of Carbondale, KS, Mike (Anna) Ard of Carbondale, KS, David Ard of Topeka, and Richard (Stacy) Ard of Topeka; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He is also survived by 2 sisters Verna (Raymond) Morris and Lois (Roger) Gurtler and 2 sister-in-laws, Sharon Ard and Dorothy Ard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 8 siblings, one son Lee Ard, one daughter Patty Molinar, and one grandson, Alan Culbertson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Heartland Worship Center, 1401 NW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66608.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604 or the church.