Harry J. Hardisty

Mr. Hardisty is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley, two sons, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 PM, Saturday, 16 October, 2021, at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery with Kevin Basham and Rev. Brandi Stevens officiating, under direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Harry is from Western Illinois and was born 5 December 1924 to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hardisty Sr. of Blandinsville, Illinois. The second of three children, Harry graduated from Blandinsville High School, in 1942, and entered the Navy as a Sonar man aboard the USS Baron. He served through the end of the war, with Japan, and was mustered out in the fall of 1945.

In 1946 Harry began study at Western Illinois State University, where he met his future wife, Shirley Mae Ditzig, of Waukegan, Illinois.

Harry joined the SS Kresge Company, after graduation in 1948, and remained employed with the company until retirement in 1985. Between 1964 and 1967, Harry managed the Tyler K-Mart, then located at the corner of Fifth and Beckham.

In 1986, Harry and Shirley moved back into the Tyler area, a place that they both loved, and were active congregants of Fairwood United Methodist Church.