Kevin Wallace Hardy, Jr.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kevin Wallace Hardy, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, on June 14, 2025, aged 68, at Baton Rouge General, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Baton Rouge, LA, and resident of Watson, LA, Kevin graduated from Glen Oaks High School, class of 1975, and LSU, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and a Master’s degree in English. After graduating, Kevin taught English on the secondary and collegiate levels for several years before becoming the Communications/PR Specialist for Citgo Petroleum in Lake Charles, LA. From there, he returned to the public sector to serve for six years as the Communications Director at the Louisiana Board of Regents. He then joined and eventually retired from Royal Dutch Shell where he worked for twelve years, first as the Site Communications Manager at Motiva Convent Refinery, and later as the External Relations/Communications Manager at Shell Chemical Geismar. Throughout his life, he excelled in his work, bringing integrity, expertise, creativity, and humor to his workplace and in the community.

Kevin’s life was guided by his faith in his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. A longtime member of Zoar Baptist Church, he served in various ways, including teaching and ministering through music. A man of many talents and interests, he was an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist, avid antique toy collector, published writer, and even wrote a novel. He could do just about anything he set his mind to, from building furniture to restoring an antique classic car.

A devoted, loving husband, father, and grandfather, he made his family a priority. He considered his sons his greatest accomplishments and took great joy in their personal growth and successes. He instilled in them a love for Christ and delighted in sharing with them his faith, expertise, love of learning, wisdom from experience, humorous adventures, creative projects, and hobbies. From trout fishing with his sons in northern Arkansas to exploring national parks and significant cities with his family, he wanted them to enjoy and appreciate God’s amazing creation and historic, cultural sites.

Throughout his life he also nurtured close friendships that remain to this day. He leaves behind a family and many friends who will deeply miss his engaging personality, sense of humor, wit, cultural critiques, love of music, and abounding creativity. He made all of our lives so much richer.

Kevin is preceded in death by his father, Kevin W. Hardy, Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 40 years, Sheila; sons Patrick (Shannon) and Will; granddaughter Leanne and a new grandchild due soon. He is also survived by his mother Anne Hardy; sisters Tara Gourley (Reuben) and Shannon Donze (Darren); niece Erin Carraway (Brandon) and their daughters Wren and Lily; nephew Drew Gourley (Emily); and nephews Nicholas and Alex Donze. Our family is sincerely grateful for the tender care provided by the doctors, nurses, and staff at Baton Rouge General throughout Kevin’s time there. We’re also especially grateful for his dear friends Randy Wagley and Pat Dunn for their loving concern for Kevin to the end.

Pallbearers will be Darren Donze, Nicholas Donze, Alex Donze, Pat Dunn, Reubin Gourley, Adam Salley, Randy Wagley, and Stephen Wagley. Honorary pallbearers will be Gregg Potts and Mickey White.

A visitation will be held at Zoar Baptist Church in Central from 9:00-11:30 am on Thurs., June 19, followed by the service at 11:30.