Funeral services for John Hardwick, 62, Eudora, will be at 1 pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, with Fr. Michael Scully officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Mr. Hardwick died Mon., June 23, 2014, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born July 4, 1951, in Hutchinson, the son of Vincent and Arlene Barb Hardwick. He graduated from high school in Hutchinson, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Kansas State University. He participated in ROTC. John was a machine operator at Hallmark Cards, and had 20 years of service at the time of his death. He was a member of the Loose Lugnuts Tailgate Club.
He married Linda A. Bechtel on Dec. 26, 1979, in Manhattan. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two sons, Kyle Hardwick and Jacquelyn, Hutchinson, and Jesse Hardwick and wife Starr, Eudora; a brother, Howard Hardwick and wife Tracey, Flower Mound, Tex.; and four grandchildren, Andrew, Shiloh, Jesse Jr., and Pieper.
Friends may call from 8 am until service time Friday. The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
To the family and friends of John Hardwick, John and I became friends when we were seven years old. We went to grade school in Hutch and we remained friends clear through high school. I am so sad to hear of his passing. John was one of my favorite people, he was kind and fun to be around. Even though I haven’t seen him in 35 years or more, he will be missed. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Sincerely, Linda Kelly
John was a gem of a guy, whose opinion and perspectives I always valued. I will miss talking track & field with him…especially his love of pole vaulting.
Our deepest condolences to his family, many friends, and co-workers. Thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Keith Kennedy
(Former Co-worker)
Linda, Kyle and Jesse; I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss John and remember his friendship each time I go to my garden. For 20 years he helped me in my yard, planting and trimming trees, and sharing his gardening knowledge. I will always remember him as a kind, caring and helpful person who loved his family deeply. Praying that God will bless you in your sorrow and that you will be comforted by all your wonderful memories. Robin Goulter (next door neighbor)
I will surely miss John’s smile so early in the morning as I entered the break area before work started. I didn’t get to know John for very long, but he had a gentle spirit about him. May he rest in peace.
We will miss John waving to us as he drives pass our house. The world is definitely not as bright of a place without his huge smile. Our deepest condolences.
-Toby, Staci, Bryce & Brylie Prawl
Linda (and family) – Heard of your loss from my sister (Barb). It’s rare anymore when we get to meet up but your friendship from our younger days is still cherished. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you at this tme. – Pat
Pat, Jenice, and Bridget McCoy
John has left an empty spot in so many lives, now. He was the nicest man I ever knew. My thoughts are with family and friends. Take care, Linda.
John will be missed, he was such a nice guy & always had a smile for everyone
To John’s family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful person. I retired from Hallmark but always looked him up when I would return there. He was a very caring person and will be missed by all. God Bless each and everyone of you.
What a amazeing person he was. I met him for the first time at the Leavenworth HMK.It was like God just had him passing thru.I was doing the quality on the product he was running. (cass-cade Bows)He shared with me imformation on the machine, that I did not know, to help me do my job.And he was so nice, and humble about it.So positive on life, and he encouraged me, on his great attitude at HMK.I pray for you all as his family, and know that God is with yu always.
It was an honor to work with John. He was always so positive and helpful when I went to him with my questions. He will be truly missed. My prayers go out to his family.
I didn’t have a chance to work with John for very long, he came to our area eager to learn.He was a very good worker and fun to talk to. He will be deeply missed.My heart goes out to his family.
John will be missed. Enjoyed working with him at Hallmark. My deepest sympathy at your loss.
To Linda and your sons and their families. John was a great person to be around when I worked with him at Hallmark Cards. He was never in a bad mood and could make every ones days go by quickly with stories and jokes. I am sure he will be missed yet remembered by all that knew him. Sorry for your loss, David crisp.
Linda, I am so sorry for Your loss. My thoughts and prayers and with all of you.
Leslie Thompson
What an amazing full life John has had in such a short time. He has a full set of wings now..and has earned them well. Thoughts and prayers with you all.
Joe and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. John is soaring with the Angels now and will forever watch over all of you. I know God wrap his arms around your family and comfort you in the days and weeks ahead. Remember, this is not goodbye, it is until you meet again.
So sorry to hear of John’s loss. He was a great guy and fun to work with at Hallmark cards. Good memories. Prayers are with John & his family.
Katie Northern ( co worker)
Linda,Worked with John for many years in the bow dept,he will be sadly missed out here…My thoughts and prayers to you and your family…
Linda,Kyle,Jesse and familys
John was the first person I worked with in Hallmark cards. I was his packer on curlcascade bows. He made me his backup operator. A wounderful friend and coworker he never let anyone around him have a bad day
he always had a smile that would eat you up.
I also rode bike runs with him he was my angel always looking out for me making sure I was safe. Linda and John came to our house to see our 1918 Harley he gave me a picture of his grandmother on her 1918 harley to hang behing our bike in the livingroom thats where we keep the bike and picture he said he would get me a copy of grandpa too just haven’t got it yet hope i still can to complet the pictures on wall. I always thing of John when I look and grandma. Hope your riding with grandpa and grandma and having a great time. you will always be my angle with me when i ride. Sorry for your loss we will all miss him great guy. He loved his wife Linda and boys so proud of his family alway litt up talking about them and grandbabys even the dog alf he loved you all very much sadden me he hade to leave so soon. keep him strong in your hearts and he is there with you. Diana H. Now in Leavenworth 17yrs later running Curl cascades John is with me here too. love ya all.
So sorry to hear of John passing. He was a great person and I enjoyed working with him at Hallmark. Whatever I made cookies at home, I would always bring John a goody bag. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Linda McCown
So sorry for for your loss. John was always so friendly and kind at work. He will be missed.
Mary Jane Church
I am so sorry for your loss. I have worked John for the last couple of years. He always had a smile on his face. He was great to work with. He always had pictures of the races he went to and knew all about cars. We talked about our motorcycles and I loved sending him pictures of our trip this year. I will miss him. It was an honor to work with him.
Linda, I knew John threw Scott and Chari how John and
I argued about NASCAR and who the better driver was…he will be dearly…I am sorry for your loss
Carla Harris
Our heart aches for you Linda, Kyle and Jesse.
Linda you know John adored you – you were the light of his life. You can be assured of how happy you made him.
Kyle and Jesse, he loved you both so very much. Take care of each other and love one another.
We will see you soon.
Love,
Joleen and Wayne
Linda and boys – I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you in this difficult time.
Karen Hall
(backyard neighbor)