Read Donald Ray "Don" Hardin's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Donald Ray "Don" Hardin

Warr Acres, OK, USA

September 6, 1952 - October 22, 2020

Sep 6, 1952 - Oct 22, 2020

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Donald Ray “Donny” Hardin, born September 6th, 1952, passed away on October 22nd, 2020. Donny was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, the second son of what would grow to be a family of 8 in just a few years. The family moved to Oklahoma City when Don was 2 years old, where he and his siblings grew up in and around the Gatewood neighborhood. Don attended Gatewood Elementary and Central Junior High, graduating from Classen High in 1970, where he played for the Classen Comets baseball and basketball teams. Don was passionate about sports throughout his life, especially baseball. Visiting Yankee Stadium and celebrating the World Championship Cubs were among Donny’s happiest moments, but he also shone as a coach to his kids’ teams throughout their childhoods. Donny was an avid bowler, participating in leagues for most of his adult life. He loved Oklahoma Sooner football, going to games and tailgating frequently. After spending some time in Southern California, Donny met the love of his life, Anna Day, in 1980. They married soon after, starting a family that became Donny’s proudest achievement. Donny loved rock and roll, especially the Beatles, Elvis, and Bruce Springsteen, going to shows with Anna and instilling a love and appreciation for music in his kids. He and Anna became active with the local branch of Parrotheads, celebrating the music of Jimmy Buffett and gaining a new respect for margaritas. Don was a member of United Auto Workers Local # for 26 years, working at the General Motors plant in Oklahoma for the entirety of its existence. After the plant closed, he worked at Riverwind Casino for a decade before retiring. Donny’s greatest joy in life was seeing his kids start their own families. His three kids brought him 8 grandkids, and being a part of their lives became his passion. From the moment of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, Don was adamant that his remains be donated to scientific research, in the hope of making life better for future sufferers of the illness. Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna, his parents, Mary and Cecil, and his brother Gene. He will be missed by many, especially his daughters, Raye Leigh (Anthony) Thornton and Melissa Lombard, son James, grandkids Kyle, Kyleigh, Robyn, Katelynn, Lily, Liam, Annalise, and Colin, brothers Rick (Nancy) and Bill, sisters Paula (Bob) Fiala and Janie (Vincent) Trent, and too many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to count. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to hospice. In his final days, they ensured that his being at peace was the highest priority, and that family was always nearby. A service celebrating Donny’s life will be held on Saturday, November 21st, at pm, in the gardens of Morrison Floral & Greenhouses at 4801 N Meridian Ave in Oklahoma City.

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