George Gregory Hardy

Monday, December 14, 2009

Feb. 22, 1940-Dec. 12, 2009

STRATTON -- George Gregory Hardy, of Stratton, Neb., died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at Community Hospital in McCook, Neb., at the age of 69.

He was born Feb. 22, 1940, at Stratton, Neb., to Frank K. and Lola A. (Henderson) Hardy, and attended school in the Eden School District and graduated from Stratton High School. George furthered his education at York College and Pratt Community College.

On Jan. 3, 1960, George was united in marriage to Caroline S. Cooper at Ulysses, Kan., after church on a Sunday morning. To this union, six children were born; Tami Jo, James Dale, Myra Bea, Bryon Frank, Alan Gregory, and John Scott.

During his life, George entertained many occupations all pertaining to agriculture. He was involved in farming, ranching, feedyards, trucking and consulting. George devoted most of his life to working, managing, designing and building commercial feedyards, including AID Feeders in Kinsley, Kan., Decatur County Feedyard in Oberlin, Kan., and Southwest Feeders in Hayes Center, Neb. George also rebuilt seven other feedyards while working for Cactus Feeders, and owned and operated Hardy Cattle Feeding in Leoti, Kan. He also did feedyard consulting for many years.

In 1990, George returned to Stratton to live on the family farm and engaged in farming and a cow calf operation. In 1992 Mill Iron Nine Corporation was born and became involved in the grain hauling business, continuing until 2009.

Early in 2004, George and wife, Carolyn, purchased land and an old horse barn in Stratton, and with the help of his family and friends, George turned the barn into a home for them. He then became semi-retired and they moved to town. No more muddy roads! George spent the next five years driving truck, enjoying his family, and mowing.

He was a member of the Church of Christ and had earned 22 years of sobriety with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lola Hardy; his brother Delbert Hardy; mother-in-law, Beatrice Odell; brother-in-law, Robert Gill; and sister-in-law, Natalie Odell.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 49 years, Carolyn Hardy; his children Tami Jo Jesch and husband, Brad, James Hardy and wife, Christina, Myra Fanning and husband, Kelly, Bryon Hardy and wife, Trudy, Alan Hardy and wife, Tiffany, John Hardy and wife, Sally; sister, Vonna Ragan and husband, Seth; brother, Neil Hardy and wife, Mary Lou; sister-in-law, Lucille Hardy; and father-in-law, Marvin Odell, Sr.. George is also survived by his 17 grandchildren; Crissy and husband, Terry, Dallas, Davi Ann and husband, Blake, Christa, Tanner and wife, Shelby, LeTrisha and husband, Dustin, Hondo and wife, Ariel, Brandi, Lane, Justin, Colton, Kelsee, Casey, Cody, Clayton, Jesse, and Natalie; four great-grandchildren, Dawson, Damon, Ethan, Rylan, and one on the way; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and neighbors.

At George's request, no public services are scheduled. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.

A memorial has been established in his name. Cards, letters, and memorials will reach the family at Forch Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 97, Stratton, NE 69043-0097.