John Henry Hardin

John Henry Hardin was born on December 10, 1936 to Elizabeth and Jessie Hardin Sr. in Akron, Alabama. He was the fifth child born of sixteen children. He accepted Christ at an early age and remained faithful until God called him home on February 2, 2022.

In 1958, John’s brother, William, urged him to relocate from Akron, Alabama to Los Angeles, California in pursuit of a better life. Not long after, he sent for his high school sweetheart Mable Beverly. They were married in 1959. To this union was born a son, Derrik Hardin. Once settled in Los Angeles, he completed his education at Manual Arts Adult School where he received his high school diploma in 1964. John was hired on with the City of Los Angeles as a Refuse Collection Truck Operator. He received a recognition award for 25 years of safe driving from the City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works as a mark of appreciation of loyal and efficient service. After a long illustrious career as a driver, he was later promoted to management. While working, John attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College where he studied Electronics and repaired TVs in his spare time. He and his classmate opened a TV repair shop where they also sold 45 vinyl records.

Following his success after moving to California he sent for more relatives so they could have a better life, most importantly his baby girl Belinda, from a previous relationship with Velma Merriweather. He wanted Belinda to receive a good education which would allow her more opportunities. Over the years, John mentored many young adults, giving them a place to live, helping guide them on the right path and encouraging them to pursue an education and a career. When John and Mable parted ways, he became a proud single Dad raising two teenagers, Belinda and Derrik. Every summer he drove them cross country to Alabama (until they were old enough to help drive) to visit family and to educate them about the South and their roots.

John was a competitive bowler. While competing in a bowling tournament, he met Theresa Starks. After a short courtship they married on August 22, 1981. To this union was born Theresa Ann Hardin. After 31 years of service with the City of Los Angeles, John retired and moved his family to Apple Valley, CA where he had his dream home built from the ground up. In his retirement, John loved to tinker in his garage. He was very innovative. He made security bars to fit on the inside of the window which made the bars not visible from the outside. This was an idea that he should have patented. He turned one of his hobbies into a business, building and selling go karts. If he studied something long enough, he could figure out how to fix it or improve upon it. His father taught him how to play the organ and for many years he was the backup organist for High Desert Apostolic Church.

John was an avid juicer and an awesome cook. His favorite was juicing watermelons and making gumbo. He also had a secret recipe for peach cobbler. He helped his goddaughter LaSharae launch her juice business and perfect her recipes. He had several longtime friends. He enjoyed playing dominoes with his Bishop and best friend Rev. Henry Harris, he was an active member of The Classy Few led by his friend Mr. Lloyd Wicker, he worked on cars with his son-in-law Robert Miller Sr. (Rick), and he would party and hang with a few other buddies, Mickey, Robert and Mr. Walker. All his longtime friends preceded him in death.

John was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Jessie Hardin Sr., siblings Ben Hardin, Jessie Hardin Jr., William Hardin, Alma Rhyens, Robert James Hardin, Oscar Lee Hardin Sr., Inell Hardin, Roosevelt Tubbs and Addie Hardin. He leaves to cherish his memory three brothers: Johnnie Hardin, Willie Hardin and Sidney Hardin, one sister: Annie B. Hardin, three children: Belinda Miller, Derrik Hardin (Cynthia) and Theresa Hardin Morganfield (Derrese), two granddaughters: Carrie Hardin and Jhameka Hardin, two grandsons: Rickey Miller and Robert Miller Jr., four great grandchildren: Tyler Brown, Jaylen Brown, Anaiya Brown and Jhanae Mills, an adopted son Dietrone Hardin (Brooke) and their children, Zeruiah Hardin, Enoch Hardin, Yakin Hardin and Nethanya Hardin, goddaughter LaSharae Jackson and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND HOMEGOING FOR JOHN HENRY HARDIN

 Sunrise: December 10, 1936                                                     Sunset: February 2, 2022

Order of Service

Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM Lighthouse Memorial & Receptions   5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503 Reverend Alvin Tunstill, Jr. Officiant

Processional

Scripture Reading – Dietrone Hardin   Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 12:7

New Testament: Romans 14:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18 Prayer – Reverend Alvin Tunstill, Jr.

Musical Selection – “Pennies From Heaven” – Derrese Morganfield Acknowledgements – Darrell Hinton-Hardin

Video Tribute

Remarks & Reflections – (Please hold to 2 minutes) – Family and Friends Remembering Our Father – Theresa Hardin & Derrik Hardin

Obituary – Read Silently

Musical Selection – “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone   Eulogy - Reverend Alvin Tunstill, Jr. – Trinity Baptist Church Recessional

Active Pallbearers: Derrick Hardin   Korey Hardin    Darrell Hinton-Hardin Robert Miller, Jr.

Tamoi Thompson

Honorary Pallbearers: Derrik Ray Hardin Dietrone Hardin  Derrese Morganfield Johnny Hardin

Sidney Hardin Willie Hardin

Repast

Immediately following at the home of Theresa Hardin 10325 S. St. Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Acknowledgement

The family of John H. Hardin deeply appreciate your kind expressions of sympathy in our time of sorrow. We know our pain will decrease and what will remain will always be. Love all whom you hold dear, Precious is the time you share. Do not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow may not be…Your thoughtfulness and compassion will always be remembered.

May God Bless and Keep You