Eugene Hardesty

Eugene Earl Hardesty, 85, of Sykesville, died Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at his home with his loving wife and family by his side. Born July 24, 1940 in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Earl and Louise Smith Hardesty. He was the devoted husband of Betty Marie Hardesty. They had been married for 66 years. Gene had retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a planner estimator. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Yard Association. He enjoyed watching his grandkids playing soccer and tennis. He also loved ocean cruises, traveling, gardening and going to Toby's Dinner Theater. In addition to his wife Betty, Gene is survived by daughter Karen Lynn Davis, sons Keith Hardesty and his wife Kathy, Dr. David Hardesty and grandchildren Matthew (Natalie), Lindsay (Kyle), Kendall, Destin and Alexa. He was preceded in death by siblings Lorraine Harmis, Richard Stein and Ted Hardesty. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 24, 10:30 AM at the Jeffrey N. Zumbrun Funeral Home, 6028 Sykesville Road, Eldersburg, Maryland with pastor Art Monroe, officiating. Interment will follow in Lake View Memorial Park. Friends may call on Sunday, February 22 from 2-4 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Gene's memory to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or the Wounded Warrior Project, www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Online condolences may be offered at www.jnzumbrunfuneralhome.com.