Alvin Loyd Hardecke, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus August 21, 2016 at the age of 90 years. He was born in Elmont, MO on October 3, 1925 to Carl E. and Bertha W. (Brueseke) Hardecke. Alvin had lived in the Sullivan area his entire life and graduated from Sullivan High School in 1943. In 1944, he served in the United States Navy on a cargo ship in the Pacific theater during WWII. After his return home from the service, he continued farming on the family farm where he was born and raised which is now a Century farm.
On October 29, 1954, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Ann Banken. This union was blessed with four children; Ron, Lonna, Glenda and Earla.
During his career he raised hogs, cattle and crops. He was a member of Missouri Farm Bureau, president of the Franklin County Live Stock Association, and served as a Sullivan 4-H leader. Alvin and Dorothy helped organize the Nazarene church in Sullivan. They were dedicated to this ministry for 52 years. Alvin served in many leadership capacities that included teaching Sunday school, serving on the board as trustee, and other responsibilities. Alvin loved the Lord and lived his life as a testimony to his faith, and a neighbor described him as the “salt of the earth.”
Alvin loved his family and enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His grandchildren looked forward to spending time with Grandpa, especially going with him in the truck to check the cows.
Alvin is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 61 years; one son Ron Hardecke, and wife Krista of Owensville, MO; three daughters, Lonna Jensen of Park Hills, Glenda Kinaman and husband Brad of Paola, KS, and Earla Meek and husband Dan of Parkersburg WV. Grandchildren include; Jim Hardecke, Rachel Hardecke, Anna Jahnsen and husband Eric, Laura Hardecke, Kyle Hathman and wife Jaclyn, Kayla Mahurin and husband Brandon, Korey Hathman and fiancé Isabella, and Kathy Huff and husband Korey, Skyler and Reagan Amonette, Blake Jensen, Nick Hardecke, Hannah, Chad, and Grace Kinaman, Sarah and Bethany Meek. Great-grandchildren include Emmitt and Carter Hathman, Brayden, Trace, and Mason Mahurin, Anastasia Hathman, and Ryker Huff, one brother; Carl Hardecke of Strafford, Missouri other relatives and many friends.
Along with his parents, Alvin was preceded in death by two brothers, Warren and Tracy Hardecke.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan with Pastors Robert Banken, Dan Meek and Scott Perry officiating. Interment was in Dutch Hill Cemetery, Sullivan, MO. Visitation for Mr. Hardecke was held from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan.
Expressions of sympathy may be given to Samaritan’s Purse in memory of Mr. Hardecke.
Arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.