Donald Hardy

1927 - 2026

Colonel (Ret.) Donald Clay Hardy, age 98, of Main Street in Irvine Kentucky passed away at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, Ky on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Estill County, Kentucky on September 6, 1927, and was the son of the late Elmer Park and Lucille Floyd Hardy.

He is survived by his wife of over sixty-nine years, Ann Franklyn Stevens Hardy, whom he joined in marriage on June 23, 1956. He had lived in Estill County all his life. He retired from L&N Railroad / CSX Transportation with over forty-four years of dedicated service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his older brother and hero, Private Gordon Lee Hardy, who was Killed in Action in Germany during World War II on April 18, 1945. He was also preceded in death by a special Uncle, Henry Thomas, H.T., Hardy Jr., who was close in age and more like a brother. He was also preceded in death by his Grandparents, Clarence Dudley and Eva Stacy Floyd, as well as Henry Thomas and Martha Dozier Hardy.

He was baptized in Jesus Christ at the Irvine First Christian Church. At his death, he was the oldest living and longest active member, and former Elder. Throughout his sickness he was faithful in attending every Sunday as his health permitted, many times taken by his grandchildren when he could no longer drive.

Colonel (Ret.) Hardy graduated from the Estill County High School in 1945 and as World War II was ending, was drafted into the United States Marine Corp. Due to his brother being killed, Colonel Hardy enlisted in the U.S. Army and began a long career of over 36 years of service in the Kentucky National Guard. He was a graduate of the US Army Command and Staff College. He was promoted to Full Bird Colonel in 1980 and held numerous leadership positions as Artillery Executive Officer and Battalion Commander, Director of Selective Service and Inspector General over the course of his career. His many medals and commendations included the Selective Service Exceptional Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit. He was also a long-time member of American Legion Post #79.

As a lifelong lover of being active and enjoying sports, he attended Eastern Kentucky University for one year to play baseball but quickly determined there were no classes on baseball and decided it was not for him. He was told by the Cincinnati Reds in 1947 that "they needed a player who could hit home runs and not singles, and if he could gain twenty pounds, they had a roster spot for him". Until his death, he was proud to have never gained those twenty pounds. Instead, he began a multi-year baseball career as a second baseman in the Bluegrass League. He was also a basketball official for many years for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. However, it was golf that was his true love. He played thousands upon thousands of rounds at the Estill County Country Club, serving many years as President. He was honored to have negotiated the sale of the club with CSX that allowed it to become member owned. He played competitively at clubs all over Kentucky and well into his nineties, always able to shoot well under his age. He was also a longtime member of the Arlington Country Club. Although a shoulder injury stopped his golfing, his two-mile daily walk through Irvine for decades was constant until his recent diagnosis.

Other survivors include:

His Sons: Steven Clay (Tracie) Hardy of Dallas, Texas, and William Park (Rhonda) Hardy of Irvine, Kentucky.

His Granddaughters: Elizabeth Park (DaShaun) Williams, and Ella Franklyn Hardy.

His Grandson: William Elliott Hardy.

His two special cousins: Henry Thomas Hardy III & Ronald Gene Hardy.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home in Irvine. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, January 9th 10:30 a.m. at the Irvine First Christian Church with Bro. Matt Higel, Bro. Mark Pearson, and Steve Garrett officiating. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Ky.

Pallbearers: William Elliott Hardy, DaShaun Williams, H.T., "Butch" Hardy III, R.G., "Pepper" Hardy, Ralph Howe, Tracy Adams, and Gary Adams.

Honorary Pallbearers: Michael Newton, Donald McIntosh, Danny Long, Earl Blackwell, Ivan Ballard, A.J. Davis, Joe Warren, and All his former National Guard and Golfing buddies, whom he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of their exceptional care, donations are suggested to:

Hospice Care Plus, 350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, Ky 40475 or the Irvine First Christian Church, 270 Main Street, Irvine, Ky 40336.