Gary Eugene Hardy

Gary E Hardy passed away May 7th, 2024, at St Catherine’s Center in Waco TX. Gary was born January 19, 1953, in Houston, Texas, to Julia (Parker) and Willie Hardy. A year later he was joined by his sister Beverly. 

At the age of 17 he entered the US Air Force where he served for over 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. While stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, he met and married Darlene (Leonard) and her four children (Debby, Richard (Rick), Ron, and Tim Leonard). Soon later, he and Darlene were transferred to Florida, then Guam, and later upstate New York.  While serving as a POL (petroleum, oil, lubricant) specialist Gary had several overseas assignments including Korea, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Oman and Desert Storm/Shield. 

After retirement, returning to Darlene’s hometown (Waco), Gary became a driver and mechanic for Central Texas Trails (charter bus company). Throughout his military, civilian, and retirement years, Gary never met a stranger and never missed a chance to give a person a “hard time”. 

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother-in-law (Jim). He is survived by his wife;  son Bill Hardy (Eloise and children);  stepchildren Debby – Chris, Richard, Ron – Sandy, and Tim; sister Beverly Kronjaeger and nephews Micah and Timothy and their families.

A deep thanks goes to all the staff at St Catherine’s who came in contact with Gary during the five times he was there in the past 12 months.

Graveside service with military honors will be Saturday, May 11, 2024, 1:00 pm at Rosemound Cemetery.