Edward Lee Hardin, age 97, went home to Jesus Sunday evening, April 2, 2023, after a series of health problems since February. He is survived by his
wife of over 64 years, Jo Anne Merideth, Hardin, as well as his brothers Will Hardin and Leroy Hardin. In addition, he is also survived by his nieces.
Erma Maxwell, Debra Aters, Laura Hardin Ritter, and Marsha Hardin. His surviving nephews are Steve Barbre, James W. Barbre. Joe Hardin, Ron Hardin,
Kevin Hardin, David Hardin, ana Jeff Michael Hardin. Terry Aters, Debra's husband, was a friend and caretaker for the last few years with Ed and he was a godsend.
Ed was born in Lawrence County Arkansas on February 27, 1926. He was the oldest of six children. His parents were Willie E. Hardin and Gracie F.
Medlock. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Imogene (as a child), Ruby F. Barbre, and Geneva F. Pitzen.
During World War II Ed served in the Army in the 10th Mountain Rangers, 85th Regiment, Company B. His unit fought in the Po Valley campaign in
northern Italy where Uncle Ed told us of the hellish battles. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart and he turned 19 while in Italy. He spent 18
months recuperating in a tuberculosis sanitarium at the end of the war. After the war he trained as a radio and tv repairman and we always looked forward to his visits because he would fix our old Philco tv. Being color blind doomed his career when color television became popular. He worked in his father's general store.
In 1959, the day after Christmas, he tied the knot with his bride, Jo Anne Merideth, the love of his life. They lived all their years in the house that her
father built for them in Kewanee. She taught school until she retired, and he ran the local water company for a number of years, along with delivering
fuel to the local farmers. He was a longtime Mason, receiving his 50 year pin a number of years ago. He loved life, his family, and we will miss him.
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