Maybell Retiree Robert Harding Dies at 82

Steamboat Springs —The obvious narrative surrounding the life of Robert E. Harding is one of steady, quiet progression. A man from Nebraska who moves west, works for the government, marries, raises a family, and eventually retires to a small town in Colorado. It sounds like a standard American trajectory, the kind of story that doesn’t usually make the news unless something dramatic happens. But that’s exactly the point. To hear him tell it, his life wasn’t about the big breaks or the sudden changes. It was about the consistency. It was about showing up.

Harding died on September 25, 2026, at the Yampa Valley Healthcare Center in Craig, Colorado. He was 82. The Craig Daily Press published his obituary, detailing a life that spanned seven decades and several states. He was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, in 1943, and grew up in Gering. By 1962, he had graduated from high school, having already shown a knack for both athletics and astronomy. He built an eight-foot telescope for his father’s plumbing shop roof and spent his nights stargazing. That early blend of physical effort and quiet observation defined him.

He went to the University of Wyoming for a degree in biology and range management. In 1965, he married Ruth Buckendorf in Rock Springs, Wyoming. From 1967 to 1971, he served in the Air Force, spending time in Libya and England. After his military service, he worked at the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming. He later moved to the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado. His job included a tenth of law enforcement duties, a role that required both patience and authority. He also owned horses for a time, though he eventually let them go when the costs became too high.

In January 2013, Harding retired from Browns Park. This was a pivotal moment. For years, he had lived in required government housing. Retirement meant he could finally buy his own place. He purchased his first home in Maybell, Colorado. This move was significant. It marked a shift from institutional living to independent ownership. It gave him control over his environment. He could fix what needed fixing. He could plant what he wanted. He could manage his space however he saw fit.

Maybell became his home base. He threw himself into the local community, particularly the Maybell Community Bible Church. His involvement there was deep and varied. He didn’t just attend services. He preached occasionally. He participated in pastoral training. He sang in the choir. He did janitorial work. He even did some plumbing, a skill he had picked up from his father. He took great pride in the church’s lawn, tending to it with care. This level of engagement suggests a man who felt a strong sense of belonging. He wasn’t just a member; he was a contributor. He gave his time and skills to support the community he valued.

His later years in Maybell were marked by social connection and simple pleasures. He enjoyed regular visits from two longtime friends he had made shortly after moving to that part of Colorado. These friendships provided a vital social network, helping him stay connected in a small, rural setting. He also found joy in the local bingo hall. There, he had a habit of winning chocolate bars. While the prizes were modest, the act of playing and winning brought him genuine satisfaction. It was a low-stakes activity that offered a sense of achievement and fun.

Harding is survived by his older brother, Jim Harding, and his sister-in-law Pauline, who live in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He also leaves behind three nieces: Sherry in Pekin, Illinois; Sandra in Madison, Wisconsin; and Audra in Tucson, Arizona. Additionally, he is survived by Jessica, the wife of his late nephew Dwight, and their son, Rowen, who also lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Those who preceded him in death include his former wife, Ruth. He was also preceded by his parents, James and Elsie Harding. His younger brother, David, and David’s wife, Kathy, are also gone. His nephew, Dwight, has also passed away.

For those wishing to honor his memory, the obituary suggests sending memorials to the Maybell Community Bible Church. The address is P.O. Box 171, Maybell, CO 81640-0171. Alternatively, contributions can be directed to the church through Richardson Funeral Home, located at 615 Main St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613. This option provides a convenient way for family and friends to contribute, especially those who may not be able to visit Maybell in person.

The story of Robert E. Harding is a reminder that a life well-lived doesn’t always require fame or fortune. Sometimes, it’s just about finding your place, contributing to your community, and enjoying the simple things. For neighbors in the Western Slope, his legacy is tied to a small town called Maybell, where he found a second home and a sense of purpose. His life was a quiet, steady rhythm. A heartbeat that kept time for decades. Now, that rhythm has paused. But the echo remains. In the church choir. In the bingo hall. In the memory of friends. In the small, sturdy home he bought in Maybell. It stands there. A marker. A monument. To a man who lived fully. Simply. Well.