Tom Hardin

Thomas Dean Hardin, age 96, of Weslaco, Texas, formerly of Beaver City, Nebraska, passed away December 22, 2024. Tom was born February 11, 1928 at the family home in Beaver City, Nebraska to Wesley Robert Hardin and Gladys Pearl (Thulin) Hardin. Tom attended school at Beaver City High School and graduated in 1945. He joined the Merchant Marines in June 1945 to see the world. His ports of call were the Philippines, the Hawaiian Islands and up the West Coast of the United States.

On September 19, 1948, Tom married C. Joan Teeter. Tom always said “boy did I ever luck out when she said yes!”

Tom was drafted on January 11, 1952 and became an Army Medic. He served in Korea with the Wolf Hounds of the 25th Division and received his medical combat badge.

In 1957 Tom joined the Boy Scouts of America as a district Scout Executive and worked in Atchison, Kansas, Oskaloosa, Iowa, Manhattan, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri over a 15-year period. While living in Manhattan, Kansas, Tom and Joan adopted their daughter Karla on August 4, 1965.

In 1970 Tom, Joan and Karla moved back to Beaver City, Nebraska. Tom was hired at the Beaver City Manor as the Administrator. He worked here until he retired in 1990.

Tom was involved in many organizations that he enjoyed. He took pride in raising funds for the first ambulance and getting the first crew trained. For years prior it was a station wagon, a cot and a fast trip to the hospital.

Tom was involved in the Beaver City Lions Club, the Tree Planting Committee and helping to raise funds to build the Beaver City Library.

Tom married Betty Williams on October 26, 1996. They lived in Weslaco, Texas for over 20 years and made many lifelong friends at Pine to Palm Retirement Community. They loved to dance and participate in all park activities.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Gladys Hardin, wife C. Joan Hardin, wife Betty Hardin, sisters Mary Ann Hardin (still born) and Patty Becker, Brother-in-law Bill Becker, Brother Rod Hardin, Sister-in-laws Phyllis Hardin and Donna Hardin, Sister-in-law Celia Babcock, Brother-in-law Russell Babcock, Grandson Jonathan Warner, Nephew Monte Babcock, Niece Gloria Becker.

Left to mourn is daughter Karla and husband Fred Warner, Granddaughter Valerie and husband Bryce Marble. Great-grandchildren Harlan, Jhett and Lennyn Marble. Step-daughters Deborah Norris and Rhonda Manning. Nephews and Nieces Nick and JoAnn Becker, Jack and Nancy Becker, Jon Becker, Chris and Pam Becker, Ken and Julie Becker, Joanna and Scott Chesterman, Randy Hardin, Sherri and Doug Bergman, Patti and Kim Ludeke, Doug and Vaneta Babcock, and many great nieces and nephews.