Mr. Kenneth T. Hardin, 95, of Hampton passed away on Monday, July 11 at his home.
Mr. Hardin was born November 19, 1915 in Hampton, Kentucky, the son of H. Clyde and Lora Hardin. He graduated from Hampton High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from, then called, Murray State Teachers College, and a Masters Degree in School Administrative from the University of Kentucky.
Mr. Hardin started teaching school in a one room school house in Bayou, KY, as well as Birdsville. He then became Principal at Smithland Elementary; and later became the Ag teacher at the old Livingston County High School.
In June 1942, Mr. Hardin was called up to be drafted to the U.S. Army, but did not pass the physical. He was asked if he would like to work in the Cincinnati Ordinance District in Evansville, Indiana, to assist in manufacturing and inspecting Army 45 caliber and 50 caliber ammunition. He completed his training at Philadelphia, PA. He was then sent to Detroit to learn to drive and inspect the Sherman tank. Before the end of World War II, Mr. Hardin had become the resident inspector of material at the Evansville plant. At the end of World War II, the U.S. Department of Agriculture set up what was called On Farm Training for Veterans who wish to farm. Mr. Hardin was the teacher for the group in North Livingston County for four years.
On December 19, 1942, Mr. Hardin married the former Mary Louise Utz also of Hampton.
In 1955, Mr. Hardin became the principal of the old Livingston County High School and later became the principal of the new Livingston Central High School in Smithland, due to the consolidation of the old high school with Salem High School in 1958. He was principal for 30 years in all.
Mr. Hardin was a member of the Salem Masonic Lodge #81 and Hampton United Methodist Church.
He is survived by one son, Kenny Hardin and wife Jamie of Hampton; two grandchildren, Marley Hardin Snow and husband Brandon of Paducah and MacKenzie Hardin of Hampton; one sister-in-law, Bea Hardin of Paducah; one niece and several nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise Utz Hardin; one sister, Maxine Ryan; one brother, Edgar M. Hardin; and his parents, H. Clyde and Lora Hardin.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 15, at 2 PM in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem with Bro. Mike Birk officiating. Burial will follow at Hampton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11AM until the funeral hour Friday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hampton United Methodist Church or the Hampton Cemetery c/o Boyd Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 26, Salem, KY 42078.
Online condolences may be left at www.boydfuneraldirectors.com