KENOSHA – Mr. Richard E. Hardy, Sr., 68, passed away at United Hospital System on Sunday, March 15, 2015.

He was born in Milwaukee on March 3, 1947, the son of the late Allen and Lillie Mae (nee: Matthews) Hardy.  Upon graduating from Union Grove High School he served his nation with the U.S. Navy from 1965-1968.  On December 31, 1966 he married Florence Pearl Myers.

Mr. Hardy worked as a computer engineer for IBM, retiring after 20 years of service.  He was a faithful member of the 23rd Avenue Church of Christ.  An avid fisherman, Mr. Hardy also belonged to the Rod and Reel Gun Club in Princeton, Wisconsin.  He had a science oriented mind and enjoyed his free time reading science fiction and technical books.  He was happiest, however, when he was in the company of his family.

In addition to his loving wife, Florence, he is survived by his children, Richard (Rose) Hardy, Jr. of Virginia, Michelle Hardy of Milwaukee, Eric (Kimberly) Hardy of Beach Park, IL, Lela Chavez of Portland, OR and Unique Culpepper Hardy of Kenosha; 16 grandchildren; three great grandchildren, with one on the way; his sisters and brother, Arlene Smith of Racine, Dennis (Alice) Hardy of Texas, Georgette Edwards of Racine; as well as many dear nieces and nephews.  Mr. Hardy was also preceded in death by his grandchild, Samaria Pearl Hardy and his brothers and sisters, Fred, Ward, Lolita and Monteen Hardy.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, March 23, 2015 for a visitation from 10-11 a.m.  The celebration of his life and Homegoing service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Charles Gates officiating.  His interment will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.