KENNETH E. HARDY

July 6, 1942 - Feb. 21, 2013 SOUTH BEND - Kenneth Edward Hardy Sr., age 70, formerly of South Bend, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly from heart failure on Thursday, February 21, 2013, at his residence in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born July 6, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Horace and Rachel (Jones) Hardy.

Mr. Hardy was raised in South Bend and received his education from the South Bend public schools system. After graduating from South Bend Central High School, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge for his service to the country.

He married Elayne Webb on December 25, 1961.

Ken had a big heart and love for his canine friends ..... "Sarge" and "Buddy." Wherever Ken traveled, "Sarge" (now deceased) would accompany him dressed in 'army fatigues,' (one of many outfits made especially for "Sarge") buckled up and resting comfortably in the passenger seat in the front of the van! If you needed a ride, Ken would accommodate your need; however, he would direct you to a seat in the back of the van.... Cause the front seat was always reserved for "Sarge!!!" Ironically, he was tending to "Buddy's" hunger needs at the time of his fatal heart attack. According to persons in the home, Mr. Hardy collapsed and fell to the floor on his way to get food for his 'sidekick' and trusted companion......"Buddy." His willingness to give and or help was exemplary of Ken's character, his giving spirit and love for people and animals.. He leaves behind many broken hearts that will be mended by fond memories.

His children who he loved: Lisa Hardy; Kymberly Hines of Nashville, Tenn; Kenneth St Edward Hardy Jr; Veronica Williams of Memphis, Tenn; Marrea Cutler; Rebecka Young; Kenda Rae Word of Indianapolis, IN; Elyana Anderson; and Valeria Hardy; including twenty (20) grandchildren and five (5) great-grandchildren. Elayne, Ken's "forever friend and confidant." Two great-aunts, Callie Preston and Lois (Doll) Land. One (1) great-uncle, Lloyd Jones of Richmond, IN. Many, many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

The surviving siblings acknowledge that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" and God is always in control. We will miss the many interesting, many times comical, 'stories' Ken would tell about someone or something that made you listen with suspense. We love him and will always remember our beloved brother. Evelyn R. Robinson; Tucson, AZ; Phyllis C. Canty; Minneapolis, MN; Doris M. Jenkins, Indianapolis, IN; Horace B. Hardy; Montgomery, Ala.; and Stephen M. Hardy, Tucson, AZ. Audrey Y. Jones Spencer; Deborah A. Diggins; Curtis B.; Karl A.; and Mark C. (Jane) Hardy, all of South Bend, IN. Alone, he won't be.

He will be reunited with his parents, Horace B. and Rachel D. (Jones) Hardy; a brother, Ronald E. Hardy; (2 sisters) Joyce (Hardy) Kroll and Hortense (Hardy) MaGee; (niece) Ericka L. Hardy; (paternal grandparents) Noah Hardy, Edward and Evelina (Larkins) Chester; (maternal grandparents) Comer and Bertie (Tidwell) Jones.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service at Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 5:00 PM, with Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr. officiating. A repast will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the recently established Kenneth Edward Hardy Scholarship Fund at Communitywide Federal Credit Union, Western Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46628. The family would like to send a special thank you to Ken's Personal Assistants and Minneapolis Paramedics. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where messages of condolence may be e-mailed to Alfordsmortuary@att.net, c/o the Hardy family.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 28, 2013.

01/25/2023 EJS