Edward "Ed" Hardison

Edward "Ed" Blake Hardison passed away at the age of 84 at his home in Mulvane, KS after battling with Interstitial Lung Disease for nearly 3 years. This disease hit him pretty hard and fast but he handled it like a champ. Even though it drastically changed his everyday life he remained positive, courageous, and never gave up.

Edward was born in Wichita, KS to Leonard "Blake" and Geneva Hardison on February 23, 1940. This is where he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Carol, and they recently celebrated their 67 year wedding anniversary. He was a loyal family man and loving father to their three children, Teri, Brenda, and Randy and adored his grandkids and great-grandkids.

Always a hard worker, Ed had a long time career as a commercial plumber and was a proud member of the UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local # 441 for 65 years. In addition, he spent hours working on his farm raising cattle and harvesting wheat and alfalfa.

In his spare time, Ed could be found on the softball field coaching his daughters' teams. He loved all the girls on the team(s) and treated them as his own. He played a big role in building the girls softball program in Mulvane, KS back in the 1970's and devoted a large amount of time in doing so. Another way Ed gave back to his community was by serving on the Mulvane USD 263 Board of Education for eight years.

Retirement could not slow Ed down. He thrived on being around people and supporting youth, so he quickly began driving school buses for some of the surrounding districts. In typical fashion, "Mr. Ed" became attached to "his kids" and treated them as his own. It hurt his soul when his health problems necessitated his retirement from the Derby USD 260 in 2021.

Summers during retirement were spent traveling in their RV and working in Branson, MO at both Silver Dollar City and Treasure Lakes RV Resort, where Ed & Carol made many dear friends. Ed never met a stranger. He was outgoing and loved talking to anyone who would listen. His sarcastic sense of humor was second to none, and if he gave you a hard time it was because he liked you! He was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and will be dearly missed by many.

Edward is survived by his wife Carol (Herman), daughters Teri Sanders (Dale) and Brenda Snow (Scott), son Randy Hardison, grandchildren Brandi Hardison, Misty Anderson (Jylan), Bryce Sanders (Brianna), Aaron Sanders, Scott Sanders, Logan Snow, Isaac Snow, Madison Snow, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation with the family is 6:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday, April 3rd and funeral service is 1:00pm Thursday, April 4th, both at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037.