FRANKLIN - Donald Jean Hardy, 89, a Michigan native, passed peacefully at his home on Oct. 22, 2022, with his loving wife, Evelyn, of 62 years, by his side.
Born on Feb. 7, 1933, in Malden, Missouri, he was the son of the late Henry Paul Hardy and Sarah (Preston) Hardy. He was the youngest of nine siblings who had preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; three daughters; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was a proud patriot throughout his entire life. After his honorable discharge on June 9, 1956, from the U.S. Air Force, Don moved to Michigan where he began his career with Marathon Oil Company. In 1999, Don and Evelyn retired to Franklin.
During retirement Don enjoyed life with his family, golf, playing pinochle with his family and friends, word puzzles, solitaire, game shows and news programs. Don loved dogs, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings.
Don is survived by his wife, Evelyn; daughters, Kim Divian (Jeff), Tammy Rehm (Roger) and Christie (Roy) Hardy; grandchildren, Jared Goemaere, Jordan (Alexia) Hawkins, Madison and Morgan Campbell; and great-grandchildren, Blake and Oliver Hawkins.
He loved his girls and his grandchildren very much. He had a special bond with each one.
There will be a celebration of life Saturday, Oct. 29, at Victory Baptist Church, 278 Victory Church Road, Sylva, North Carolina 28779. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. one hour prior to the Christian military service. There will be a luncheon following the service, location to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Don’s memory, please make donations to Victory Christian School.
Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com. Bryant Grant Funeral Home is serving the Hardy Family.