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Luther H. Hardy © Grace Memorial Chapel 01-2022 Submitted by: Glenn
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June 21, 1931 ~ January 31, 2022
Luther H. Hardy was reunited with his loving wife of 70 years, Harriett Ann (nee Summers) Hardy as he entered heaven on January 31, 2022. He was born on June 21,1931 in Pike City, Arkansas to Alton Autry Hardy and Lera Geneva (nee Martin) Hardy, who both preceded him in death, as did his sister Lula Faye Kizziar, of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Luther and Harriett were married in 1951 in San Francisco.
Luther spent most of his time growing up near Mountain Pine, Arkansas in the beautiful piney woods. The definition of a true patriot was Luther. The day after he graduated from Hot Springs High he asked his Dad to go down with him to the recruiting office and see if he could enlist before he turned 18. The recruiter allowed him to fill out his undated paperwork and told him the next swearing in date was July 1, 1949. He served in the U.S. Navy from July 1, 1949 until April 23, 1953 during the Korean Conflict. After completing basic training, he was sent to the U.S. Naval School (Electronics) at Treasure Island, CA. He served aboard the U.S.S. Norton Sound (AVM-1), which launched the first guided missile. He also served on the U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29). He participated in the Battle of P'ohang-dong, and recalls going ashore after the shelling stopped. His main duty during the war was to set up communication towers and repair any electronic equipment behind enemy lines. He spent many days/nights along with the Marines hiding until they could get them back out onto their ship. He spoke fondly of his Marine and Navy buddies and considered them brothers. At the time of his discharge he was an Electronics Technician Second Class.
Luther held many jobs at various electronic firms including Motorola, Sylvania, and Phillips after his discharge. His wife, Harriett convinced him to apply to college. Graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering a few years later he was hired by Southwestern Bell (Bell Labs) in their new satellite division. He went on to work at other companies with satellite divisions, including Lenkurt Electric, and Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV), among others. He took a job with Conoco Oil in the early 70's to work on their communication systems, retiring in 1985 as a vice president.
Luther loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and just being in nature with his family. A book was always nearby, as he was a voracious reader. Being an avid stamp and coin collector added to his hobbies. He loved getting a bargain and hunting for unique antiques and tools. He loved to paint and build things with his hands. He had a great mind for math and design! If anyone asked Luther what to get him as a gift, he would respond with, "He had one of everything, and two of some things."
He is survived by his three children, Rick and his wife Debbie of Austin, TX, (Sandy) Sandra Hardy Carlberg and her husband Philip, of Austin, TX, and Karl Hardy of Oklahoma City, OK. Grandchildren are Amity Hardy Garwood and her husband Jason, Robert Hardy and his wife Kara, Richard Tyler Hardy and his wife Ashlee, Sunnie Hardy Smith, Juliana Carlberg, and Adam Carlberg. Luther was proud of his seventeen great grandchildren, John, Luke, Andrew, Daniel, Caleb, Maylee, Merrick, David, Verity, Ethan, Graham, Evelyn, Gwyneth, Madeline, Adelais, Magnus, and Astrid. He is survived by his sister Wanda Hardy Smurl, of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The family wishes to thank Via Christie Nursing Staff, and Hospice of North Central Oklahoma for the thoughtful care of Luther.
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