Donald Bennett Hardy, lovingly known as “Poppie” or "Pawpaw," was born July 20, 1938, in San Augustine, Texas, to Maurice and Esther Hardy. He passed away peacefully at his home on November 11, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
Donald graduated from San Augustine High School and began working at a young age. A hardworking man with many talents and skills, he spent his life building, creating, and working with his hands. Throughout the years, he worked at Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative, owned the Country Inn Motel, and operated Hardy’s Restaurant. He was also a skilled carpenter who built many homes, including the home he shared with his beloved wife on the lake at Hardy Cove.
Donald had a deep love for the outdoors. An avid deer hunter, he was determined to make it to his deer stand, and his stubborn nature meant that very little could keep him away. He also enjoyed fishing and took great pride in tending to his vegetable garden, caring for it as if it were one of his greatest treasures.
One of his closest companions was his beloved fur baby, Buddy, who was more than just a dog. Buddy was his little shadow, following him wherever he went and rarely leaving his side.
Above all else, Donald loved his family. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love for them was evident in the way his face lit up whenever they were around. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, lessons, laughter, and a legacy of hard work, determination, and love that will continue through the generations of his family.
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Hardy; his daughter, Lisa Davis, and her husband, James; and his sons, Randy Hardy and Clay Hardy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nick Carrell and his wife, Alice; Kristie Hardy and her wife, Dallas, and Emily Stanbery and her husband, Jake; along with his beloved great-grandchildren, Sheyanna, Savannah, Annie, Macy, Barrett, Breylan, Nolan, Easton, Rylee, Aubree, Beau, and Swade.
He is also survived by his sisters, Ruby Ellington and her husband Earl, Frances Lawson, Lois Ellington and her husband L.C., Joy Navratil, and Nancy Metteauer and her husband, Richard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Esther Hardy; and his brothers, Charles Hardy and David Hardy.
Pallbearers will be Nick Carrell, Doug Hardy, Charles Rayburn, Matt Rayburn, Barrett Bennefield, and Breylan Stanbery.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.
Though Poppie may no longer be sitting in his deer stand, tending to his garden, or enjoying the lake, the memories he made and the love he gave will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His hands built more than houses; they built a life, a home, and a legacy that will be carried on by the family he loved so much.
“A life well lived is not measured by the years we have, but by the love we leave behind, the memories we create, and the lives we touch along the way.”
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Bennett Hardy, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Sunday
November 15, 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Wyman Roberts Funeral Home
316 West Columbia
San Augustine, TX 75972
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Celebration of Life
Sunday
November 15, 2026
2:00 PM
Wyman Roberts Funeral Home
316 West Columbia
San Augustine, TX 75972
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