Robert (Bob) Hardin

Robert (Bob) Hardin, 90, died March 7, 2014, in his farm home surrounded by family, friends and beloved pets. Born February 10, 1924, in Paul, Idaho, son of Allan and Blanche (Ford) Hardin, Bob spent his early years working on the family farm with his two siblings, Keith Hardin and Frances Hardin Craig.

In World War II, he served in the Air Force as a glider pilot and was in the European theater close to the end of hostilities. Returning home, he enrolled at the University of Idaho in Moscow where he graduated with a major in Agriculture. With his love for flying, Bob bought a surplus BT-13 airplane, which was enough to give added status to this handsome youth with self-effacing charm.

After completing college, he purchased some of the first land coming into irrigation on the Columbia Basin project. As an officer, Bob remained in the reserves and during the Korean War was assigned to Larson Air Force Base. It was here that he met his wife, Jacqueline (Jackie.) However, the wedding almost didn't happen. After taking Jackie home one December night, he suffered a near fatal car crash. As he recovered in the hospital, a jeweler bought a tray of diamond rings from which he selected Jackie's engagement ring. With Bob on crutches, they were married March 15, 1952, at the Larson Air Force Base Chapel.

Together for over 50 years, they worked as a team devoted to the development of the 400-acre farm where they lived. Generous with their time and knowledge, they hosted a number of Japanese exchange students and actively supported Big Ben Community College. As members of the United Methodist Church, they were an integral part of the Moses Lake Community.

This most loving and gentle man along with Jackie will be greatly missed by his family, neighbors, and friends. Jackie predeceased Bob in 2011. Bob is survived by nephews, David Hardin, Mark Hardin, and Rob Hardin, and nieces, Dianne Hardin James, Rebecca Craig Sonniksen, and Amy Craig Elbert.

Graveside services with military honors will be held Friday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Pioneer Memorial Gardens, followed by memorial service at 11:30 at the United Methodist Church,746 Ironwood Drive in Moses Lake.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a message for family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.