Ronald 'Ron' Hardin
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Ronald "Ron" Hardin, 57, Carrier Mills, passed away at 4:42 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at his home with his loving wife Rita at his side.
He was born in Paducah, Ky., on Dec. 5, 1953, to William Lewis and Ella Mae Day Hardin. He was married to the former Rita Simpson on Dec. 12, 1987. Ron attended the First Church of God in Carrier Mills and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post No. 167 in Harrisburg. He was an employee of the Illinois Youth Center in Harrisburg. Ron's hobbies were riding his bright blue Honda trike, hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his mother, Ella Mae Hardin; his wife, Rita; two stepsons, Brad Deaton of Herrin and Jason Deaton of Carrier Mills; two brothers, Leslie (Frances) Hardin of Herod and Roger "Jerry" (Marcia) Hardin of Maple Park; and four grandchildren, Tiffany and Tyler Deaton of Eldorado and Nolen and Lane Deaton of Carrier Mills.
He was preceded in death by his father; and two brothers, Joe and Bill Hardin.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2011, at the Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home in Carrier Mills with his pastor, the Rev. John Neace, officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at the funeral home. Memorials should be directed to the Carrier Mills First Church of God.