Donald Hardy

Donald E. Hardy, 81, of Primrose Retirement Community and formerly of the Villas in Ontario, passed away February 21, 2009 at MedCentral Hospital after an extended illness. Don was born August 28, 1927 in Mansfield, the only child to Ralph M. and Evelyn Selby Hardy. He was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, where he played basketball and excelled in baseball. After graduation Don was drafted by the Marines, served two years and then was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and traded to the Cleveland Indians where he played until his return home to marry Charlaine Holler. Don was a Mansfield Policeman before making a career as a postal carrier. Don loved his family, his animals and his sports, especially golf and baseball. He was one of the four original coaches for the Southwest Little League formed as a feeder program for Malabar High School baseball. After eight years with the Little League, he continued his coaching with the McVey Legion Team. Even after he lost his sight, he continued to support and travel with the teams. Hundreds of young baseball players benefited from Don's knowledge and love of the game. He was inducted into Mansfield Senior High Hall of Fame in 2000.

Don is survived by three children, Debby Jim Henry of Mansfield, Kristy Greg Smith of Loveland, Ohio, and Craig M. Hardy of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Abby and Jamie Henry, Jessi Brian Kempf, Megan, Brian, and David Smith; great-grandson, Chayse Henry; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife in November 2008.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Little League, 242 Rowland Ave., Mansfield, Ohio 44903 or McVey American Legion Baseball, 640 Park Ave. West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.