Joe Arthur Hardin

Passed away on July 7, 2016 in Mesquite, Texas. He was born on August 15, 1932 to Arthur and Minnie Hardin in De Leon, Texas. Joe attended Springlake Earth schools as a young boy. He proudly served his country in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and then later he met and married Lea Baker on April 5, 1957. They then began their family and spent the next 59 years together. Joe enjoyed camping, golf, racket ball, and most of all he enjoyed his family. He would attend activities such as athletics, band, and other school events. Watching his children and grandchildren was a great joy for Joe. He was a generous, sweet, loving, caring, and a selfless man. A lifelong hard working man, he retired at the age of 80. He most recently was a member of Mabank Church of Christ. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lea Hardin of Mesquite; daughters, Jodie Mannlin and husband Rod of Mesquite, Laurie Allen of Scurry, and Kellie Trayler and husband Don of Dumas; brother, Arnold Hardin of Mesquite; brother in law, Larry Calvert of Heath; sister in law, Betty Baker of Dallas; grandchildren, Chris Hardin of Kaufman, Alan Trayler of Dumas, Patrick Mannlin of Lewisville, Rantz Trayler and wife Destyni of Goodwell, Oklahoma, Hunter Allen of Gun Barrel City, Keldon Trayler of Dumas, and McKenzie Allen of Scurry; and a host of other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mistie Hardin; brother, Arvis Hardin; sisters, Dealpha Hardin and Mary Nell Calvert; and sister in law, Sibyl Rogers Hardin. Visitation for Joe will be on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Gonzalez Funeral Home and Crematory from 6-8 pm. Services will take place on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 in the Chapel at Gonzalez at 10 am with burial to follow at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:15 PM.