Lloyd L. "Hap" Hardesty

Lloyd L. “Hap” Hardesty, 91, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, February 2, 2015, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington. He was born January 1, 1924, in Henry, Nebraska, to John Robert and Lillie Mae (Avery) Hardesty. Hap grew up in the Henry, Nebraska and Torrington, Wyoming areas. He graduated from Torrington High School with the class of 1942, and went on to further his education at Chadron State College, graduating in 1951. He served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps from March 3, 1943, until his honorable discharge on March 16, 1946, fighting in the CBI Theater. Hap was united in marriage to Audrey Haddix on November 10, 1946, in Torrington, Wyoming. Hap co-owned, with his brother, a Studebaker Dealership in Torrington as well as teaching school in Wheatland, Wyoming. The couple moved to Lexington in 1959. Upon the family’s arrival in Lexington, Hap worked for the Overland Trails Council for a year, and then he started his 28 year career at KRVN Radio in the Sales Department, retiring in 1987. Hap was always community minded; he volunteered his time for over 30 years on the “Chain Gang” at local football games, was past commander of the American Legion, VFW, district Scout Executive for Overland Trails Council of the Boy Scouts, where he earned the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church as well as the Men’s Bible Study Group. He was past president of the Lexington Rotary Club, receiving the Paul Harris Rotary Fellow award, a member of Masonic Thistle Lodge #61, and the Eastern Star. He received the Bronze Jordan Award. He was an active member of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and acted as Santa Claus for the chamber for many years. Hap was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fan and a member of the Beef Club for many years. He also raised funds for the Dawson County Fairgrounds for several years. Hap always had a smile on his face and a kind word for all. He had a sense of humor that would knock your socks off!! Rest in Peace dear Hap. Survivors include his children; Glenn (Jan) Hardesty of Lexington, Nebraska; Lynee (Tim) McGuire of Lexington, Nebraska and, Thomas (Deb) Hardesty of Lincoln, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren as well as many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Hap was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Audrey; daughters, Renee Beans and Candis Rittgarn; three grandsons, Edward Beans, David Hardesty and Phillip McDonald; three brothers, Wilbur, John and Charles, and three sisters, Grace, Irene and Vera. Funeral Service will be Friday, February 6, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Dr. Dyton Owen officiating. Masonic Rites will be held at the church by Thistle Lodge #61. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington. Burial with Military Honors will be in Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Overland Trails Council, or Lexington Community Foundation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. You may share online condolences to the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.