L. Leon Hardin

L. Leon Hardin, a long time resident of Anderson Co, Texas passed from this life January 29, 2012 at the age of 76. He was born to Archie Floyd and Lillie Beatrice Eggleston Hardin in Big Spring Texas on July 3, 1935.

Leon married his, “one and only true love, his soul mate”, Betty Matheny Grandstaff in Odessa TX on Dec 20, 1971. He held several jobs in many fields during his working years to include time as a cross country trucker; oil field worker; security officer and locksmith. Leon also had many hobbies. He loved working with leathers goods, collecting model semi-trucks and building model airplanes.

Leon was a proud Marine veteran, having served with the 1st Marine Division in Korea, at the 38th Parallel. He was also a long time member of the American Legion; Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Leon’s strong Christian faith and daily talks with the Lord sustained him during his battle with cancer. He is survived by his children, Bob Hardin (Jonni), Mead WA; Trace Hardin, Mead WA; Dana Meeks (Greg), Elgin TX; Gary Hardin, Amarillo TX; step-daughters, Kay Lynn Lowery (Harold), Georgetown TX; Karolyn Mangan (Lyndall), Comanche TX; sisters, Mollie Jeanne Hardin, Odessa TX; Barbara Brooks, Odessa TX; Ruby Hardin, Ringgold GA; brothers, John Delbert Hardin (Linda), Palestine TX; Lynn Hardin (D), Lipan TX. Leon is also survived by, 14 Grandchildren; 9 Great-Grandchildren; 9 Nieces & Nephews; 11 Great-Nieces & Nephews; 3 Aunts, 1 Uncle, lots of cousins and many wonderful friends, a very special Friend, Laura Gutowski, and Lovey, his faithful dachshund and long time companion.

Leon was preceded in death by the Love of His life, Betty 'Babe' Hardin, his son, Jerry Leon Hardin, his parents, Floyd and Bea Hardin, and his brothers, Odell Hardin and Floyd 'Pete' Hardin.

Leon’s family would like to thank the Employees of the Texas Oncology Center, Encompass Home Health Care, Solaris Hospice, the Veterans Outpatient Clinic and Palestine Regional Hospital, all of Palestine TX, for the love shown and care given to Leon during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, Leon requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society; Solaris Hospice (1521 S Loop 256, Palestine TX 75801-5857); a charity or church of your choosing.

SEMPER FI MARINE SEMPER FI!

Visitation will be from 9am to 12pm Thursday February 2, 2012 at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home in Bastrop, Texas. A Graveside Military Funeral will follow at 1pm at Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop.