Cecil Harkrader

Cecil Ray Harkrader, age 85, of Belding, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Spectrum Health-Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids. The son of Leonard Lewis & Bonnie Lillian (Painter) Harkrader, he was born on July 8, 1937 in Allendale, Illinois and was raised in Gladwin, Michigan, where he graduated from high school. Ray had served in the Michigan National Guard and worked as a truck driver. On July 31, 1976, in Fenwick, he married Darlene Angela (Franklin) Mosley and together they enjoyed over 46 years of marriage until Darlene passed away on September 16, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Victoria Wheeler; a sister, Glaidith Pearl Carpenter; and four brothers, Leonard Harkrader, Charles Harkrader, Henry Harkrader, and Don Butler; and a brother-in-law, Clint Franklin. Surviving are his children, Walter Ray Harkrader, David Roger Harkrader, Medina White, and Shannon Harkrader-Crooks & Bill Crooks; a son-in-law, John Wheeler; his step-children, Alfreda, Donald, and Karen, Debbie & Craig Campbell of Stanton, Carol & James Withers, Judy Burkett, John & Angie Mosley, David & Brenda Mosley, and Robert Mosley; a sister, Alice & Fred Mosley; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; siblings-in-law, Floyd Franklin, Robert "Bob" Franklin, William "Bill" & Gloria Franklin, Dale & Darlene Franklin, Jerry Franklin, Pastor Karen & Delbert Morales. Donna Morse, Dennis & Julie Nelson, and Linda & Ron Pastor; and many, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cecil Harkrader, please visit our flower store.