John Allen Hardin

Texas lost one of its best on September 23, 2026, with the passing of John Allen Hardin Sr., age 86. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a very short illness. Though not a native Texan, John was the epitome of a southern gentleman, kind, respectful and a friend to all. He never met a stranger.

Born October 5, 1939, in Covington, Kentucky, John was the son of John Berry Hardin and Mary Lena Mattingly Hardin. He grew up alongside his older sister, Mary Louise Hardin Coyne, and carried forward a steady, down-to-earth spirit that followed him all his life—quietly devoted, deeply anchored, and guided by a love for his family, his faith, and the outdoors.

John graduated from Holmes High School in 1957. At just 16, he began working at a local variety store, staying until February 1958 when he and his new bride moved to Texas to build their life together. That early season of hard work and determination never left him. In Texas, he first worked as a door-to-door salesman for the Fuller Brush Company, then for Link-Belt Conveyor Company, and ultimately found his long-term career home with Champion Paper Company. John worked there for 37 years and retired at the age of 55—leaving behind a legacy of loyalty, consistency, and pride in a job well done.

On November 16, 1957, John married Nancy Lee Roberts. Together, they shared 69 wonderful years and raised three children in the Pasadena/Deer Park area. The life they built was rich in family, partnership, and the kind of steadfast love that shows up day after day—through ordinary moments and once-in-a-lifetime memories alike.

John’s love for animals and the outdoors helped shape many of the family’s adventures: camping trips, whitewater rafting, state park campground hosting, and riding with the Sam Houston Trail Riders during rodeo season. His dedication to the rodeo community ran deep; he served for 33 years as a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committee. John and Nancy also spent more than 30 years enjoying square dancing with local square dance clubs, making friends and memories wherever the music led them.

Most of all, John was a man of faith—committed to his Lord and Savior and determined to serve with his whole heart. Wherever he and Nancy worshiped, John found ways to step in and help. At Clearpoint Church in Pasadena, he was commissioned as a Deacon. After moving to Groveton, he “jumped in with both feet” at First Baptist Church Groveton, serving as a Deacon, Small Group Leader, Bus Driver, and in the Prison Ministry. Five years ago, John and Nancy returned to the Bay Area and became members of First Baptist Friendswood, continuing a life rooted in service and spiritual devotion.

John loved whitewater rafting, including a memorable Colorado trip with dear friends Don and Robbie, when the guys took to the river. In a conversation last week, Nancy made it clear she didn’t join him on those adventures—prompting John’s classic line: “But she was always waiting for me on the shore!” That steady assurance—knowing someone would be there—was a theme in John’s life, and in the love he and Nancy shared.

In 1995, John traveled with a group of men from his church to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Million-Man March, when several hundred thousand men gathered at the U.S. Capitol. He later recalled a woman telling the men it was the safest she had ever felt at night, surrounded by all those men—an observation that stayed with John, reflecting the value he placed on integrity, community, and standing together for what is right.

When asked recently about his most memorable event, John answered simply and joyfully: “Eloping from Kentucky to Indiana to marry Nancy at the age of 18.” It was a story that captured the heart of him—sure of what mattered, unafraid to commit, and grateful for the life that followed.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Lena Hardin, and his brother-in-law, Ted Coyne.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, John Hardin, Jr. and wife, Letitia; Mark Hardin and wife, Sara; and Melissa Sewell and husband, David.

Grandchildren include Dustin Hardin and wife, Riva; Brandon Hardin; Tiffany King; Cian Hardin and spouse, Miguel; and Brittney Ruhd and husband, Dustin.

Great-grandchildren include Scarlett Hardin, Claire Hardin, Zara Carosso, Emery Ruhd, Kynzly Ruhd, Kyndra Ruhd, and Kyndal Ruhd.

John is also survived by his sister, Mary Louise Coyne, and niece Kathleen Coyne Yates.

A memorial/celebration of life service will be held at Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX 77598, on Friday, October 2. Public visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a chapel service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston. To donate in honor of John Hardin, visit: www.grrh.org.