David Ray Hardy

Born: Nov 5, 1942 in Wheatland, WY

Deceased: Dec 9, 2014 in Colorado Springs, CO

Parents: Glen and Frieda Hardy

Raised in Gage, Oklahoma, he was tough, athletic, handsome, and talented with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eyes. Early years included working on the family farm, success at baseball and basketball, garnering scholarships to play in college, singing in the choir and acting in plays. He had many friends and entertaining stories.

He met Roberta Erickson at Falls Creek church camp in 1955; they married in Mooreland, Oklahoma in 1962. Devoted partners, they celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2012. Those years together included thousands of ballgames, lesson plans, church services, cookouts, trips, board games, and a million laughs.

He was an excellent coach and loved competition in all forms. Always available to help players improve their free-throw shooting, their pitching motion, or their golf swing, he was a great encourager. In addition to coaching, he was an administrator, teacher, principal, superintendent, and athletic director – involved in education for 40 years in Oklahoma and Kansas. He positively influenced thousands of lives.

He had a strong faith, and was always involved in his church whether as a deacon, a member of the choir or as the choir director. He gave his time and talents, and set a good example, but was never over-zealous.

He will be missed very much, especially his kindness, his laughter, his generosity, his excitement to tell you something he had learned or witnessed, and his endearing humility.

He is survived by his wife, sons Eric (Kellee), Matthew, of Colorado Springs; sisters Barbara Shryock (Howard), Oklahoma City, OK, and Joy Watchous (Robert), DeSoto, KS; sister-in-law Carol Visdos (Robert), Portland, OR; brother-in-law Carl Erickson, Kent, WA. Three grandchildren: Hagan Hardy, Gage Hardy, and Quinn Hardy. Other relatives, Alan, Jon, LuAnn Shryock (Rutledge), Kerensa (Kester) and Kevin Hardy, William, Joan, Tina, and Paula Brown, Peter and Emily Erickson-Knight.

Preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, Bob and Rachel Erickson, brother Clarence Hardy, sister-in-law Kathryn Hardy, and nephew Gordon Shryock.

David’s family wishes to thank Swan-Law Funeral Home, Calvary Baptist Church, all of our friends and relatives for their support and love. Those caring bonds make the world a better place.

Viewing: Saturday December 13th, 5 to 7 pm. Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. 719-471-9900.

Funeral: Sunday, December 14th, 2pm, Reception to follow. Calvary Baptist Church, 1712 S Corona Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. 719-632-4442.

Memorial contributions can be made in David’s memory to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.