J Scott Hardesty

TOPEKA- J Scott Hardesty, 91, of Tecumseh, Kansas passed away peacefully Friday, November 14, 2025, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.

J was born October 27, 1934, on the family farm in the Waterloo community of Kingman County, Kansas. He was the second of three sons born to Steve and Reola Hardesty. Growing up on the farm gave him a love for the outdoors that he carried throughout his life. He attended a two-room grade school in Waterloo and graduated from Kingman High School. After graduation, he attended College of Emporia, playing football and majoring in Education. He later earned a Master's degree from Kansas State Teachers College, now Emporia State. It was at C. of E. where he met the love of his life, Janice Lee. The couple married after graduation on June 2, 1957, in Overbook, Kansas and celebrated 68 years together in 2025.

J served for a short time in the Army after graduation. He continued to serve in the National Guard for eight years while starting his teaching and coaching career at Gridley High School. His 1959 football team ended the season as the #1-ranked team in Class B in Kansas. He later moved on to teaching and coaching jobs at Council Grove, Lindsborg and Shawnee Heights, where he retired in 1993. J touched the lives of countless young people in both the classroom, on the field, in the gym, and on the track. After retirement from teaching, he worked at Kaw Valley Propane for 19 years.

J loved to stay busy and that was reflected by the abundant vegetable garden he tended every summer. He was probably most at home in nature, spending time hunting, fishing and golfing with friends and family. Several grandchildren were introduced to fishing with Grandpa. Love of family came first to him and he and Janice devoted much time to attending grandchildren's events. He was also a KU Jayhawk fan and spent several years ushering at football and basketball games. J was a member of the American Legion and Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

J is survived by his wife Janice; son, Jon Hardesty (Christi) of Topeka; daughter, Jo Hardesty (Craig Adams) of Lawrence, Kansas; son, Steve Hardesty (Marvel) of Springfield, Missouri; and daughter, Susan Anderson (Kent) of Topeka; grandchildren, Colleen Brennan, Joseph Carson, Emma Hardesty, Nick Hardesty, Nick Puetz, Josh Puetz, Heather Esteban, Hannah Ostheim, Chase Anderson, Cally Anderson, Cade Anderson, and Carstyn Anderson; great-grandchildren, Quinn Brennan McCabe, Ryann Hardesty, Reagan Hardesty, Eneko J Esteban and Nolan Puetz; and his brother, Loyd Blaine Hardesty of Arvada, Colorado. Preceding J in death are his parents, Steve and Reola Hardesty, and brother, Roger Neil Hardesty.

Family visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS, 66614. Celebration of Life will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, 6040 SE 44th Street, Tecumseh KS, 66542. Graveside service with full Military Honors will follow at Overbrook Cemetery, Overbrook, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, sent in care of the funeral home.

The family thanks the staff at Midland Hospice House for the compassionate care J received.

Condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com