Weldon "W.D." Dean Hardegree

October 3, 1928 – February 27, 2022

Mr. Weldon Dean (W.D.) Hardegree departed this life to meet his Lord while at home surrounded by his family on February 27, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born on October 3, 1928 to Sidney Kyle and Austa Sarah Hardegree in Winters, Texas. During his first years in Colorado City, Weldon and his Dad, Kyle, and brother, Manford worked at the family grocery store, delivering produce in West Texas, and also built the Colorado City Livestock Auction. They also as ran a family trucking business. Weldon attended school and graduated from Colorado High School in 1946. After waiting 2 years for his “Sweetheart,” Verta Marie Rogers to graduate, they married on June 16, 1950. They were married 1 day short of their 65th anniversary when Verta passed away on June 15, 2015. During that time they raised 4 children; Sid, Deana, Becky and Kim.

During the early part of their marriage, Weldon and Verta lived in Buford on the Roger’s homestead while Weldon continued trucking. Later on Weldon drove his truck for J.H. Rose Trucking Co.,hauling cargo from South Texas to California and Florida. Eventually Weldon started his own cattle buying business and the Hardegree Trucking Co. and moved the family back to Colorado City. Some of his business deals were sealed with a simple handshake because he believed a man’s word was his bond. In the early 1970’s he branched out and purchased his own farm/ranch that he worked until he sold it in April 2007. Weldon didn’t retire after this, he continued to buy and sell cattle until 2019. He even talked to a dear friend while he was in the hospital in early February asking about how the market was looking for feeder cattle. He was a true Cattleman through and through until the end.

Weldon attended church at the 22nd and Austin Street Church of Christ where he worked with the bus ministry, taught class and served as a Deacon of the church. He and Verta were involved with both city and national elections. Weldon and Sid both traveled to the Nation’s capital for the first Farmer’s March on D.C. back in 1979. No matter whether he was in D.C., California, New York, Florida, or even the White House, Weldon always wore his cowboy hat proudly, which is why to some he will always be known as “Cowboy”.

Weldon is survived by his children: Sid Hardegree of Snyder, Deana Hardegree of Colorado City, Becky (Lynn) Carlson of Midland, Kim (Dieter) Gerstenberger of Midland. His grandchildren: Jodi Wise of Snyder, Kyla (Michael) Berta of Midland, Alexis Gerstenberger of Midland, Carlisa (Kevin) Gills of Greenwood, Mandy (Keith) Porter of Greenwood, Randi Gerstenberger of Big Spring and Kyle (Josie) Gerstenberger of Big Spring, 11 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Verta Hardegree, by his Father and Mother, his brother Manford Hardegree and sister Reba Chesney. His In-Laws Curtis and Lois Rogers.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 2nd from 5 – 7 pm at Kiker-Seale Funeral Home. Services will be held, Thursday, March 3rd at 2:00 pm at the 22nd and Austin Street Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Colorado City cemetery. Service will be live streamed through the Kiker-Seale FaceBook page. Condolences may also be sent to www.kikerseale.com. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the American Heart Association, 22nd and Austin Street Church of Christ or the charity of your choice.