Rev. Howard Hardeman

PATTON, Mo. -- The Rev. Howard D. Hardeman, 84, of Patton died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003, at St. John's Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Aug. 3, 1919, at Gray Summit, Mo., son of Glen and Marion Evans Hardeman. He lived on the family farm where he attended school and graduated from Washington High School in 1937.

Although he was ill as a young man, he was able to continue his college and graduate education. He is a graduate of Central Methodist College at Fayette, Mo., and attained his master of divinity from Duke University in 1952.

Rev. Hardeman began his ministry in 1946 as a full-time local pastor serving the Bogard Circuit. After graduating from seminary school, he was ordained as a minister in the United Methodist Church-Missouri East Conference in 1952.

His ministry spanned over 48 years. He first served the churches of Jonesburg and Wellsville, Mo., in his early years. He then continued his ministry in Fenton, Mo., and Cape Girardeau at both Grace United Methodist and Centenary United Methodist churches.

In 1981 he was transferred to New Hope UMC in Arnold, Mo. He then "retired" but still remained active by serving at Webster Groves UMC and finally at the small country churches of Sedgewickville UMC and Crossroads UMC.

Rev. Hardeman married Jane L. Howard in August 1956. The two of them had three sons and a daughter. He is now survived and remembered by his wife, Jane; sons, Glen (Carrie) of St. Charles, Mo., John (Jan) of Orlando, Fla., Scott (Julie) of Webster Groves, Mo.; a daughter, Ann (Lynn Wiens) of Hutchinson, Kan.; and a sister, Townsend Fenn of Prophetstown, Ill. His nine grandchildren, who he loved and cherished, also remember him. He is also fondly remembered by his in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Rev. Hardeman was a kind, gentle man with a zest for life. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid camper, hiker, canoeist and all-around sportsman. He led many trips for the youth including several backpacking trips to the state of Colorado.

He also enjoyed photography and had an extensive collection of color slides of wildflowers. He would often be asked to lecture on the flora and fauna of his home state.

He is most fondly remembered by his smile and sense of humor, which was loved by all.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Elsberry, Mo., United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Scott Moon and the Rev. Glen Lashley officiating. Burial will be in Elsberry City Cemetery.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at Grace United Methodist Church.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Memorials may be made in Rev. Hardeman's name to Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice.