Donald Edgar Hardin, Retired USD 259 employee, passed away on Tuesday June 25, 2024. He was born to Walter Hardin and Grace Kennedy Hardin on October 7, 1932, in Zanesville, Ohio. He was the second child of three born to this marriage. “Don” was born into a close-knit and hardworking family whom he loved very much. He was raised, educated, and nurtured to have high morals; to be honest, responsible, and kind to others. He is still remembered to this day for having these wonderful virtues and even more. “Even a child is known by his doings. Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” (Proverbs 20: 11)
As a young man in the 1950’s, Don started his journey into adulthood to make a living and moved to San Fernando, California. He gained employment at a Medical Center there. From the very start of his working career until he retired in later years, he always demonstrated the qualities of being a good employee; like being reliable, timely, dedicated, having integrity, and more. In the coming years, he found ways to help others become employed, often upon his recommendation. He also worked, by doing the hobbies that he loved, especially auto mechanic work and body work on cars.
In the 1960’s he relocated to Wichita, Kansas where some of his family members lived, to look for better opportunities. He was hired by Rainbo Bakery while living with family, so he began to save money to get his own place. Don was very determined and soon he was able to move out on his own.
In earlier years, he met a family with a young girl named Dorothy, at that time neither of them had any idea what the future might bring for them. They found out later, in the 1960’s when their friendship began to blossom into a romantic relationship. Eventually Don was able to send for Dorothy to join him in Wichita. Then, she and her 2 young children, Michelle and Valerie relocated from Ohio to Wichita, Kansas. Dorothy found employment and moved into her own apartment. Dorothy, whom he affectionately called “Dot” became the love of his life, and they were united in holy matrimony in December of 1968, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Don was always very family oriented. Upon his marriage to Dorothy, her daughters were blessed to join his 2 children, Sheila and Jeff, to share the best Dad that any child could ever hope for. Sheila says, “Our Dad was a man of purpose…He set the example of a father leading his children to church, at the Saint James Missionary Baptist Church…Our Dad was loving, caring, compassionate, easy going and never got angry.” Dorothy says, “As my husband and as a family man, Don was fully committed to caring for his family in ways to keep us secure and provided for. I especially remember when I was in the Army Reserves, he happily took care of the children when I was away.”
Brother Don Hardin, as he was fondly known at Saint James, was strengthened in his faith especially upon his marriage to Dorothy. He was being spiritually transformed and his priorities changed. He joined her at Saint James and served faithfully for 50 plus years under the pastoral leadership of Pastor J. P. Dennis Jr. and continued during and beyond the 5 year pastorate of Pastor B.A. Huggins, Sr. He was a faithful, loyal and active church member who remained in good standing for decades; as an Usher, Sunday School student, Layman, and enjoyed singing 1st Tenor with the “Mighty Men” Chorus. As a Layman he served well, and was a delegate at the district, state and national levels. Brother Hardin was a good steward who loved to support the work of the ministries-including the Annual Church Clean Up Events.
Don passed away peacefully after living a blessed life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Hardin Sr. and Grace Hardin; one brother, Walter Hardin Jr. (Wife, Della Mae); 2 daughters, Valerie Lester and Michelle Lester; a Granddaughter, Robianna Michea Jones; a Niece, LaVerne Williams; and two Great-Nephews, Tyler Hardin and Tyrel Saunders.
Don Hardin will be remembered as a friendly, reliable, loyal, willing, gracious, inviting, trusting, helpful, caring, responsive and warm gentleman, and he will be missed by those who knew him: His loving and faithful wife of 55 years, Dorothy A. Hardin; two children, Sheila Branson (Husband, Ronald) and Jeff Hardin (Wife, Gina) both of Ohio; four Grandchildren, Tony, Tiffany, Vanessa, and Whitney; and six Great-Grandchildren, all of Ohio; Sister, Gloria (Husband, Chester) Brown of Ohio; as well as many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, his Parker family members, as well as his beloved Saint James Church Family. He leaves a legacy with a multitude of beautiful memories which will forever be treasured by his family and friends.
A come and go visitation with family present will be from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, Friday, July 5th, at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.
Funeral Service for Don will be held 11:00AM, Saturday, July 6th, at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 1350 North Ash Street, Wichita, Kansas 67214. Burial will follow the service at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.
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