Daniel Gene Hardin, of De Soto, MO, formerly of St. Louis, passed away on September 30, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born in north St. Louis to the late Daniel Hughes Hardin and Agnes D. Wolfe (previously Hardin). Daniel is survived by his sons, Eric (Rachel) of Peoria, IL, and Michael (Nikki) of Imperial, MO. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandi (Dennis) Wagner and Jamie (John) Castelli; six grandchildren; and one niece and two nephews.
Daniel grew up in south St. Louis City and graduated from Roosevelt High School, Class of 1962. It was during these years that he developed a lifelong love for the music and cars of the ’50s and ’60s—a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.
At age 21, Daniel enlisted in the United States Army, where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1967. He completed the U.S. Army Transportation School and became a Huey helicopter specialist in Vietnam, earning three medal commendations for his service. Daniel was deeply proud of his time in the military, often wearing his Vietnam veteran hat. In the final months of his life spending time at the VFW in Farmington and Desloge, MO.
Following his military service, Daniel pursued a career in engineering, machining, and professional driving. He drove over-the-road trucks for several years before dedicating most of his career to driving chartered buses. He spent countless days and nights on the road and had detailed highlighted maps of nearly every highway in the Midwest.
He will be remembered for his love of tinkering in the basement, working on cars in the garage, and organizing his extensive tool collection—always with an old-time rock ’n’ roll record playing in the background. He took great pride in his white 1962 Chevy Impala with red interior, which he loved to show off to anyone interested.
Family, friends, and all who knew Daniel are invited to celebrate his life on October 14 at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., service from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
