Delbert Lynn Hardy

Monday, November 5, 2001

Delbert Lynn Hardy

AKRON, Colo. -- Delbert Lynn Hardy, 74, of Akron, died Thursday (Nov. 1, 2001) at the Sterling Regional Medical Center in Sterling, Colo.

He was born Aug. 5, 1927, at Stratton to Frank and Lola (Henderson). He grew up in the Stratton area, completing eight years of school at the Eden school, and graduating from Stratton High School. He was stricken with polio in October 1942, and was unable to attend his junior year at Stratton High School. He moved to Lincoln General Hospital, and then to Children's Hospital in Denver, Colo. He attended Boettcher School for crippled children where he was able to complete his junior year education. He later returned to Stratton for his senior year. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo., where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He worked as an engineer for the Northwest Kansas Electrical Co-op at Bird City from 1950 to 1953. He did the planning and staking of the power lines west of Stratton to Benkelman, and into Haigler. In 1953 he became associated with Miner and Miner Consulting Engineers in Greeley, Colo., where he did consulting work for 10 years. He later worked as an engineer for Morgan County REA, Y-W Electric, and Highline Electric, before becoming manager of Y-W Electric in April 1976. He retired on Jan. 1, 1993.

On March 19, 1955, he married Lucille Alles at her parents' home. They owned and operated Quarter Circle VV Ranch, raising paint horses for 40 years.

He helped start the Rocky Mountain Paint Horse Club, and served as director for many years, as well as president in 1967. He was active in the High Plains Paint Horse Club, and served on several committees for the American Paint Horse Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille; three sons, David Hardy, Joe Hardy and Russell Hardy and friend, Natalie McCloskie; one daughter, Gail Lowry and husband, John; one daughter-in-law, Donna Hardy; one son-in-law, John Lowry; two brothers, George and Neil Hardy; one sister, Vonna Ragan; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were today at the Church of Christ in Stratton with Randy Hayes officiating. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton is in charge of the arrangements.