Kep Hardig, who operated Kep Harding Sport Shop from 1965 until 2005 when it merged with Nebraska Sports, has passed away. He was 93.
Harding also served two terms on the NSGA board of directors.
Kep Harding Sport Shop had two locations in Lincoln and another in Grand Island in Nebraska.
Harding was a member of the NSGA Board from 1976-82. He also served as chairman of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee in the mid-1980s. Harding’s son Steve served two terms on the NSGA Board from 2004-10.
“Kep Harding and his family have played a vital role in the success of the sporting goods industry,” said Matt Carlson, President & CEO. “Kep was an institution in the Nebraska sports community and he was an important contributor to NSGA. We are very sad to hear about Kep’s death and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Harding was born Jan. 13, 1922 in Washington, Iowa, and graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Nebraska. He served with the 14th Armored Division of the Army in Germany in World War II and was awarded a Silver Star.
Harding is survived by his wife Kay, his son Steve and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ada Brookover.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, where Harding was a member. Memorials are suggested to St. Theresa Catholic Church or Eastmont Towers and condolences may be left at www.bmlfh.com.
