BLUE SPRINGS – John Edward Hardy Jr., 73, a resident of Blue Springs, MO, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully Thursday, February 3, 2022, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, MO. He was born January 1, 1949 in Kansas City, MO, son of KCFD Battalion Chief John Sr. and Louise (Hayter) Hardy.
John graduated from Raytown South High School in 1967. He continued his education and received his Bachelor’s Degree at the UMKC. John was united in marriage to Billie O’Dell on November 28, 1975, in Chillicothe, MO. John was a State Farm Agent in Blue Springs for 36 years. He was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Blue Springs. John had a strong sense of civic duty and always went out of his way to help others. He was a member of the Jaycees, was involved in the Big Brothers of Chillicothe, Blue Springs Rotary Club, Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity Board Member, and Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Board Member. John was an Eagle Scout and Tribe of Mic-O-Say member and played center for the semi-pro football team, KC Flyers. He was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, swimming, riding motorcycles, target shooting, and volunteering. John cherished spending time with his family, friends, and most of all his grandchildren. He never met a stranger. John could be described as having a lot of character and being quite a character.
John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Billie; children, Jennifer Reeder and husband Travis of Blue Springs, MO, John Hardy III and fiancé Kristin of Kansas City, MO, Mike Hardy and wife Olivia Hughes of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Cole, Nolan, Layne, Harper, Liam, Jonas, Wolf, Freya; brothers, Tom Hardy and wife Cynthia of Olathe, KS, Jim Hardy and wife Nancy of Raytown, MO along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr., and Louise Hardy; sisters, Letitia Clark and Elizabeth Milne.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection, 601 NE Jefferson St, Blue Springs, MO 64014. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the church. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Healing House. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of John and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel. com. John will be missed by all who knew and loved him; knowing him was a “slice of heaven.”