Georgia. His father, a farmer, and his mother, a midwife, instilled in him the importance of hard
work and commitment to family. Kelse Sr. passed away when Kelse was 10 years old. Being the oldest
of five children meant that the commitment to working to help support his family became his focus.
Kelse, referred to by family as “Junebug”, held various jobs in his younger life. Some of the occupations
included field worker, saw mill and lumber yard worker, cannery worker, and carpentry worker.
In 1954, Kelse came to Cleveland to visit his cousin Inez Traywick. Inez and her husband Martin
welcomed Kelse to stay with them. During this time he met Martin’s sister Lucenthdries Reece.
Lovingly referred to by family as Honey, she captured the love of Kelse and he never returned to
Georgia to live. In 1956, Kelse and Lucenthdries were married. This marriage covered a lifetime of love
of God and family. Three children, Robert, Dorothea, and Kelse David, were modeled the importance
of a strong work ethic, love and commitment to family, and a passion for Jesus Christ.
Early in their marriage he worked detailing cars. Kelse also worked in a variety of plant worker
positions. During this time, Kelse became a truck driver, and worked for over 40 years in the steel
industry. Dad also shared landscaping as one of his positions of employment.
Kelse from a very young age had a love of The Lord and to the church. In his youth, he served as a junior
deacon. His marriage to Honey led to their membership to a sanctified, holiness church. Their first
Pastor as a couple was Elder Richard Wilson at East 105th Street Church of God in Christ. Under the
pastoral leadership of The Late Bishop F.E.Perry, Kelse accepted the call to church leadership. Kelse
accept the call to preach in 1979. Considered a humble servant of The Lord, he led various auxiliaries
within the church. In 2010, Elder Hardrick was appointed as superintendent of the Headquarters
District of the Southern Ohio Jurisdiction. He held this position until the death of Bishop Perry.
“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” Acts 19:2a KJV
Elder Hardrick encouraged many to seek The Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. Elder Hardrick also
believed in revival and tarry services. Following the leading of The Lord, Kelse and his wife submitted
in leadership to the care of Superintendent David McKenzie and Citadel of Faith Ministries COGIC.
Elder Kelse touched the lives of many in his family, church, neighborhood, and in places of employment.
On May 20, 2020 Elder Hardrick obeyed his Savior, “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith
unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” Mark 4:35 KJV
Kelse was proceeded in death by his father, mother, and two brothers, Quincy and Alvin. Kelse leaves
to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 64 years, Lucenthdries. Brother, William Hardrick (Florine)
and sister, Iris Wilson (Charles, deceased). Sons Robert (Demtra) and Kelse David and daughter
Dorothea all of Cleveland, Ohio. Kelse was a grandpa to many. Grandchildren Marcus, Lucenthdries,
Chantel, and Akeira Nubyan. Great grandson Marcus and great granddaughter Nina. Kelse has a host
of nieces, nephews, and cousins and goddaughter Sharee King. Kelse also had many that he and his
wife call led spiritual sons and daughters.
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