Hardy Henry Porterfield, Jr.

Hardy Henry Porterfield Jr. passed away peacefully to be with our Lord December 19, 2021. His daughter, Linda was by his side. Hardy was born July 17, 1924 in Waxahachie, Texas. As a young child, he lived in several cities in Texas, but by age 10, he settled in Austin and resided in the area the rest of his life. He attended Allen Junior High, Austin High, and The University of Texas.

Hardy was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Hardy Sr. and Sarah Jane Porterfield, his brother George Monroe Porterfield, and his son Larry Ray Porterfield. He is survived by his loving wife Marie Porterfield, his daughter Linda Kay Brown and her husband Richard with their children Jay Douglas Caballero and Margot Claire Brown with her husband August Bradford and their children, Maximilian and Vivian; his grandchildren Russell Patrick Porterfield and his wife Christy Gail with their children Caleb and Joshua; and Sarah Elise Markell and her husband Michael with their children Connor, Quinnlan, Charlotte, and Cole. He is also survived by former daughter-in-law Deborah Showalter and her husband Allan.

The family would like to recognize and thank some of his friends and caregivers who cared for him recently. His friend David Sidney provided companionship, technical support, and extended family. Registered Nurse Deborah Alexis whose vital care provided comfort for Hardy as his care required both scheduled and unexpected treatment. Both Dave and Debbie made it possible for Hardy to sustain his quality of life while enduring almost constant care. Finally, his care was handed to the wonderful staff and nurses at Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital. They provided excellent medical care and compassion for Hardy and comfort to his family in his last days. We thank you and want you to know how grateful we are to you all.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hardy could not wait to turn 18 or to graduate high school. He soon volunteered along with his older brother and joined the Army Air Corps. After training in the US, he joined a flight crew and departed for the South Pacific to begin a campaign of bombing and island hopping until V-J Day. He then returned to Texas to marry his sweetheart, Velma Marie Koslan, and begin their life together for the next 74 years. Hardy had many jobs and hobbies and retired from the Texas Water Rights Commission after 30 years. Among his hobbies and activities; he was a pilot, scuba diver, skeet shooter, remote control aircraft pilot, fisherman, hunter, motorcyclist and bicyclist. He also taught his children to swim, water ski, shoot, fish and drive. Together they enjoyed many weekends at Lake Travis and annual trips to Port Aransas. He also organized annual months-long trips to Colorado with Marie and their grandchildren to hike, ride bicycles and fish.

Recently, Hardy and Marie have resided at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community where they enjoyed many new friendships. He was a very active member of Cedar Park First United Methodist Church. His faith sustained him throughout his life.

A visitation for Hardy will be held Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. Cook-Walden/Memorial Hill Cemetery, 13700 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Porterfield family.