Howard Wayne Hardesty of Eolia (Pike County) took his final breath at the Elsberry Health Care Center on July 7, 2023, surrounded by his daughters. He was 87.
Howard donated his body to Washington University.
Howard was born on October 8, 1935 to Murray and Frances Hardesty (nee Jarboe) in Louisiana (Pike County). Howard graduated from Wellsville High School in 1953. He married Joyce Rosetta Gotsch on May 2, 1954. Howard enjoyed time with his family, especially attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events, playing poker and cards at the casino, shooting pool and telling stories.
He is survived by his daughters, Shelly Myers (Larry) of Protem (Taney County) and Marian Kuntz (Eddie) of Eolia; brother, Murray Lee Hardesty (Sue) of Boonville; sister, Donna Kombrink of St. Peters; six grandchildren, Aaron Kuntz (Christy) of Eolia, Jamie Gollaher (Grant) of Frankford (Pike County), Tabitha Myers of Owensville, Tracy Niccum (Jason) of Washington (Franklin County), Candace Kluba (Luke) of Washington (Franklin County) and Nicole Brack (Adam) of Olathe, Kan.; eight great-grandchildren, Scott Kuntz, Kaitlyn Kuntz, Tyler Kuntz, Rileigh Kuntz, Allison Niccum, Addison Niccum, Liam Kluba and Carly Gollaher; special friend, Mary Hardin of Eolia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Howard was preceded in death by his son, Scott Hardesty; former wife, Joyce Hardesty; his parents, Murray and Frances Hardesty; one great-granddaughter, Lee Kluba; and brother-in-law, Leroy Kombrink. Howard was a union truck driver for 29.5 years before finally retiring from Yellow Freight Trucking in 2000. He also enjoyed farming part-time from 1966-1977. After retiring, he traveled in his motor home for several years visiting relatives, friends and many U.S. sites and spending several winters in Florida. Howard never knew a stranger, finding someone to strike up a conversation with wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones and many friends.
There will be a celebration of life at 2 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the Eolia Community Building. A meal will be served.
Memorials may be sent to the Middletown Cemetery Association, 116 Hwy BB, Middletown, Mo. 63359 or to the Clopton Alumni Association, 24855 Pike 243, Clarksville, Mo. 63336.
