Donald Dewey Hardcastle

Donald Dewey "Don" Hardcastle, 85, of Bakersfield, California, went Home to be with his Savior Jesus on September 18, 2025, after a long-term illness. Born on June 21, 1940 in Long Beach, California, Don moved with his family to Taft in 1942, where he grew up and began laying the foundation for a life devoted to learning, service, and the outdoors.

A 1958 graduate of Taft Union High School, Don attended Taft College before transferring to Fresno State, where he earned a master's degree in education in 1963. To pay his way through school, he worked in the oil fields near Taft-an early example of the grit and determination that defined him.

That same year Don began a 38-year teaching career in Shafter. He taught sixth-grade math at Richland Intermediate School for 11 years, then transferred to Richland Junior High in 1974, where he taught algebra until his retirement in 2001. A gifted educator, he was known for his clarity, quick wit, and steady encouragement. Generations of students remember how he made math approachable and believed in their potential. Don would often encounter former students in the community that would express their appreciation of him and tell him he was their favorite teacher.

In 1967, Don married the love of his life, June Taxdahl, in Taft. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage until June's passing in 2024. In 1972, they welcomed their pride and joy, daughter Melissa. Don adored Melissa and built his life around loving and supporting her. In 1992 they welcomed son-in-law Guy Lawrence into the family, followed by beloved grandsons Cameron in 2000 and Matthew in 2003.

An avid outdoorsman since boyhood, Don loved hunting and especially fly fishing. He was an active member of the Kern River Fly Fishers, serving as club president for a couple of terms, and took great joy in teaching newcomers the finer points of the sport. Generous, kind, and jovial, Don was quick-witted, highly intelligent, and knowledgeable in many areas. Fiercely loyal and always willing to help, he was the friend you could count on and the neighbor ready with a hand and a smile.

A devout Christian, Don attended Bakersfield First Assembly for much of his adult life and, in recent years, was a regular at Valley Baptist, where his family worshiped. During his illness he clung to Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Don is survived by his daughter, Melissa Lawrence, son-in-law, Guy Lawrence, grandsons, Cameron and Matthew Lawrence, and Matthew's wife, Kaitlyn as well as numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June Hardcastle, and his parents, Dewey and Pearl Hardcastle as well as his sister Rita Wegis.

A viewing will be held Thursday, October 2, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Mortuary on Panama Lane in Bakersfield. A memorial service will follow Friday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m., at the same location. All are welcome to celebrate Don's life.