John Oliver Hardin III
August 17, 1929 – June 4, 2015
John Oliver Hardin III, 85, of Cadiz, Kentucky passed away Thursday, June 4, 2015 in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was born in Princeton, Kentucky, on August 17, 1929 to John Oliver Hardin Jr. (J.O.) and Liane Lamb Hardin, both deceased. He was educated in Hopkinsville schools and graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Commerce and Business in 1953. After a tour of duty with the Army as a First Lieutenant, Quartermaster Corps, he enrolled in the University of Louisville School of Law and was admitted to the Kentucky Bar Association in 1961.
Always focused on improving the lives of others, Hardin represented Christian County in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1964 – 1974, serving as vice-chairman of the Criminal Law and Courts, and Legal Procedures Committees; and chairman of the Highways and Traffic Safety, and Judiciary Committees. In 1965, he was selected one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” and was voted “Most Valuable Member to the Public” by the legislature Press Corps in 1966. He served the Audubon Council of the Boy Scouts of America as cub and scoutmaster, Executive Board member, Vice-President, and Chairman of the Whitepath District. In 1970, he was presented the “Silver Beaver Award” by astronaut Story Musgrave for his distinguished service.
Hardin is best remembered for a successful legal career through which he advocated for many within the court systems of Christian and Trigg counties. Of his many honors, he was particularly proud of being named “Boss of the Year” by the Hopkinsville Legal Secretaries Association in 1976 and 1987. Throughout his life Hardin was active in many civic organizations including the American and Kentucky Bar Associations, American Judicature Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks 545, and politics. A lifelong Democrat, Hardin worked tirelessly on many political campaigns of trusted friends and colleagues, serving as campaign manager, building signs and even going door-to-door to build support. Hardin retired from practicing law in 2000.
Personally, Hardin is remembered for his love of Lake Barkley, boating, building, barbecuing and University of Kentucky basketball. He enjoyed many sunsets on the shore of Sandy Beach from the vantage point of a blue pontoon. He loved to entertain with his wife, Brenda, around their self-designed barbecue pit. A frustrated carpenter at heart, he cherished designing, drafting and constructing, and took great pride in sharing his considerable knowledge and tool collection with others. In retirement, his favorite place was his customized “shop” where he spent many days immersed in his labors of love. A devoted fan of U.K. athletics, he wore his support proudly in the form of an ever-present UK-themed baseball cap.
Hardin is predeceased by his son, Patrick Henry Hardin. He is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Brenda Saunders Hardin; sister, Yvonne Hardin Harralson of Delray Beach, FL; son John O. Hardin IV (Patricia) of Seattle, WA; daughters Cheri McMillan McKechnie (Tim) and Angela McMillan Hattaway, both of Huntsville, AL; and daughter-in-law Laura Hardin Webb (Tim) of Elizabethtown, KY. He loved his grandchildren, by whom he was affectionately known as ‘Daddy John’ and ‘Papa John’, Matthew and Mason McKechnie; Quinn, Hannah and Alex Hattaway; and Ben Hardin.
