Kenneth Hardin

Kenneth Dudley Hardin, 83, was born October 8, 1933, in Gordon, Nebraska, to Dudley and Cecil (Heywood) Hardin. He passed away at his home in Gordon, on June 27, 2017.

He grew up near the Niobrara River southeast of Gordon with his parents, siblings and favorite dog, Don. This is where he learned to love the outdoors and "Hardin Park" was always home to him.

He graduated from Gordon High School in 1951, and then went to work in Twin Falls, Idaho, until he entered the US Army in 1955. After his honorable discharge in 1957, he went to diesel mechanic school in St. Louis, Missouri. He returned to Gordon and worked at Modern Farm Equipment.

He married Sharon Elwood on September 21, 1962, and they lived in Gordon with their children, Cheryl and Stuart. Ken and Sharon eventually purchased Modern Farm Equipment, and after selling the business, they enjoyed traveling, especially to Alaska.

Kenneth loved fishing, hunting, friends and family; not necessarily in that order! He loved his grandchildren, and to them his advice, counseling and Easter Egg Hunts were legendary.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Cheryl and Wes Ginkens, and Stuart and Shelly Hardin; his grandchildren, Jacob Hardin, BreAnna Hardin, Trey Hardin, Tessa Hardin and Sara Ginkens; sister Eva Hix; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Fay Reed and Dick Reed; sister, Becky Yardley; and grandson Wade Ginkens.

Graveside Memorial services with Military Honors were held Monday July 3, 2017, 3:00 PM at the Gordon Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to the Gordon-Rushville Public School Foundation or the Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Museum and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE, 69343.

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