R.A. "Jack" Hardin

R. A. "Jack” Hardin passed away peacefully at his home in Wetmore, Colorado on January 2, 2021. Jack was born in Panola County, Texas on December 29, 1932, the first child of Richard and Floy Hardin. After his birth, his family returned to Colorado. His parents owned Hardin Sawmill, where the family worked until 1959.

Jack graduated from Westcliffe High School in 1951; he was drafted into the Army and served two years during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to the mountains to help his family with the Sawmill.

He married Marianne C. Williams on July 8, 1961, in Trinidad, Colorado and they had two sons, Steve and Rick Hardin.

Jack worked many trades as a truck driver, carpenter, coal miner and lumberjack, but eventually went to work for the Colorado Department of Corrections. He attended night school, where he received his teaching degree from Colorado State University.

He taught welding to inmates, high school and college students in his career as a Welding Instructor. The American Welding Society also recognized Jack as an exceptional welder and welding instructor.

Jack and his family members helped their father and grandfather build a beautiful pond, where future generations could enjoy hunting and fishing in the mountains. Jack enjoyed shooting and reloading ammunition. He was a member of the Elk's Club, a Lifetime Member of the NRA and member of the American Legion. He also loved watching Colorado Rockies Baseball.

Jack lived a full life of both joy and sadness; his persevering nature kept him living life on his terms. He had a kind heart and was always the first to call and check on his friends and family. Jack enjoyed his grandsons, Kevin and Andy, and looked forward to their calls and visits. He enjoyed hearing about Katelyn's 4-H projects and took pride in all she did.

Jack developed lifelong friendships with Alden Gray, Bill Binger and Bob Sparling, keeping in touch with each other through the years.

Jack and Marianne moved to Wetmore in 1983. They both loved the outdoors and watching wildlife daily. Jack loved to take care of his hummingbirds and had many of the same bird returned to him yearly.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Marianne Hardin, his parents, two siblings, and his first wife, Betty Yellico Hardin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 601 Greenwood Ave., in Canon City, a truly loving and giving organization that adored Jack -and Jack adored them as well.

A grateful thank you to the Colorado State Veterans’ Home, where Jack spent six months recovering from an injury. The staff provided great care and love to Jack and he adored the staff who took care of him daily.

Jack is survived by his son, Steve Hardin (Sue Roberson) and granddaughter, Katelyn Roberson; granddaughters, Sarah and Brittany; son, Rick (Susie) Hardin; grandchildren, Kevin (Courtney) Hardin, Richard A. “Andy” Hardin; brother, Frank (Peggy) Hardin; sister, Sue Gately; numerous nieces and nephews.

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