For over a half-century, it's served as a last stop for family members to pay their final respects to their loved ones.

A second generation business, Harding Funeral Home at 25-27 N. 2nd Street in Slatington continues to remain fully involved with the communityBecause of its community-oriented nature, the business has been chosen as Business of the Month by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce.David Harding, owner/ supervisor, is thankful for the recognition."It's an honor and a privilege to be chosen by your peers for providing quality service to the Northern Lehigh community," Harding said. "We take great pride and pleasure in serving the community at its most difficult time."Harding, who is joined by Nathanael Horvath, funeral director, and Chris Craig, secretary, said the business was initially started by his father, George M. Harding, in June of 1954.As its network grew, the funeral home merged with Richard Fox in 1996, until his retirement several years ago, David Harding said."Harding Funeral Home is a place where we take care of people's last wishes," he said. "We put together a caring and compassionate service for their loved ones."Harding said a funeral home is a "unique business.""We also value the trust the community places in us to take care of their loved ones in their passing," he said. "I don't think it's anything we take for granted."The Harding Funeral Home is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and by appointment on weekends.To contact the funeral home, call 610-767-3011, or visit their web site at

www.hardingfuneralhomeinc.com.