U.D. Hardesty's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - U.D. Hardesty, age 92 of Charleston, left his earthly home on Friday, October 2, 2015 while residing at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Charleston. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel with Pastor Walt Truex officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to a church or charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. He was born Ulla D. Hardesty on October 18, 1922 in Broughton, IL, but was always known as U.D. He and his sister Vera (Hardesty) Clark, are the children of the late Floyd and Ella Mae (Koontz) Hardesty. He married Hazel Hooten on March 7, 1943 in Missouri and they have celebrated 72 years of marriage. He is survived by his loving wife Hazel of Charleston; two children, Becky Miller and husband Gene of Charleston and David Hardesty and wife Kathy of Arlington, TX; six grandchildren, Amy Evans, Elizabeth Stretcher, Jason, Alexander, Derek and Ryan Hardesty; a step-grandchild, Lisa (Miller) Davis of Mattoon; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded by a son, James Hardesty. U.D. was a member of the First Church of God in Charleston and a former member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388. He enjoyed a career as a plumber working with Maurice DeMeyer Plumbing and Heating for many years. U.D. loved to sing and before moving to Charleston was a member of the Blackwood Brothers gospel group. He was also involved for numerous years with the Charleston Rec Department as a Little League coach. U.D. and Hazel's favorite pastime was camping. Their summers were usually filled with many family camping vacations. U.D. always looked forward to visits from granddaughter, Amy and her daughters, Abigail and Emily - they brightened his day. U.D. was blessed with a family who loved him and will cherish their many memories.
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