Gary K Hardman

The Bible in second Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Gary K. Hardman, 80, finished his race on earth on July 28, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones and is now rejoicing in Heaven with family and friends who have gone before him. Gary always insisted on having a basketball buried with him because he planned on playing a game with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Gary was born on March 8, 1946, the son of the late Donald R. Hardman and Josephine Stumbo Hardman. He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 60 years, Susan Laveck Hardman. Also survived by his children, Christopher (Kelly), Lisa Campbell (Joe), Tonya Hardman (Paul), Corey (Angie); bonus sons, Kenny Krebs (Jennifer) and Willie Marcum (Dixie); sisters, Debbie Schindler (Dave), Karen Fairchild; brother, Michael; 24 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; special friends, Steve and Glenna Armentrout. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a son, Chad; grandson, Seth Ryan; brothers, Jimmy and Lenny; sisters, Donna Lemaster, Judy Clifton and sister-in-law, Janice Hardman. Gray graduated from Logan Elm High School in 1964. While in school, he excelled in basketball, football and track. He received many awards and was later inducted into The Hall of Fame. He married his high school sweetheart in 1965. Gray enjoyed planting a huge garden and helped with all the canning. He loved his farm, his horses and baling hay. He was quite the handy man and could do almost anything. Keeping the farm in pristine condition kept him busy from morning to evening and he never complained. In addition to farming, Gary loved to camp, cook and bake. His cinnamon rolls and pigs in a blanket were the best. Another of his passions were jogging every day, rain, shine, heat or freezing cold. He participated in many races and ran the Columbus marathon. Gary organized and executed the Laurelville Church of God Horse show for 40 years. Gary retired from Thomson Consumer Electronics (RCA) in 2015 as a plant superintendent. He was privileged to travel to several countries to initiate start up of new plants. Even after having a brain bleed and stroke in 2019, Gary continued to keep a positive outlook and kept his faith. Through it all, he continued to keep his ornery personality and shenanigans. Gary’s first priority was serving the Lord and loving his family. Special memories are the phone calls made to his children and grandchildren with his happy birthday singing and the tradition of Christmas morning breakfasts. Gary was loved by many and his greatest hope was seeing all his children and grandchildren in Heaven one day. Funeral service will be held Saturday August 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville. Burial will be in Green Summit Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.