John Terry Hardage

John Terry Hardage was born in Ada, Oklahoma on April 30, 1941, to Alfred and Helen Hardage. Tragedy struck taking John’s father when he was a day old, and he was raised by his loving mother and feisty grandmother. He lived a wonderful childhood in a small town where he enjoyed the outdoors: fishing and hunting, and memorable escapades with his close friends, many of whom he kept for life. He loved playing sports and was blessed with good rhythm and coordination to display his dynamic dance moves! John was spirited and lively, and loved playing practical jokes and teasing his friends and family. When he was a senior in high school, he met the love of his life, the “most beautiful girl in the school,” Patricia Duncan. They married on August 26, 1960 following Pat’s graduation from high school and the honeymoon continued for almost 63 years.

John earned an Industrial Arts degree and along the way worked many jobs and trades, to include construction, electrical work, and learning the machine shop business. After college, John taught History and Industrial Arts/shop class in Denver, Colorado. Realizing this was not the path he wanted, he moved to Fort Worth to work for General Dynamics working on the wings of Fe l 11 jets. They eventually moved their 3 young daughters to Georgetown for a job at Westinghouse , ultimately opening his own machine shop with his partner, Bill Frank in 1979. As always, John thought outside the box and the machine shop’s main production would change overtime from oil production parts to titanium artificial joints. He was able to retire in 1994 and truly began to enjoy life. He and Pat began to travel the globe, sight seeing, playing golf, hunting and fishing. They were always surrounded by friends and family.

John was not afraid of change, and was determined to persevere. This suited him for life, as he overcame many obstacles. He was a fighter, and was determined to provide for his family, who always came first. John’s family grew with the birth of his first daughter Terri, closely followed by Lori and Tiffany. Although he was waiting for that son, God knew better and gave him three girls who stole his heart, Thank goodness for God’s plan, and not our own. John was raised by women, then surrounded by his girls throughout his ups and downs of life. He loved and respected and was so proud of them all. He eventually gained 3 son in laws, Brian Cowdrey, Jason Walters and James Esquivel, followed by six grandchildren: Madison, Lindsey, Sarah,

Ethan (a boy!), Avery, and Aiden (yet another boy!). He adored each one; each special to him. He loved his family beyond measure, as they loved him. We will miss his good smelling cologne, big warm hugs and kissable cheeks. “Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes aren’t final, when you only mean we’ll miss you, until we meet again”-John Walter Bratton

John’s Celebration of Life will be held at
2 p.m. on May 30 at Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to MD Anderson Cancer Center, https://www.mdanderson.org/content/dam/mdanderson/documents/donors-and-volunteersnonat e/Check%20Donation%20Form.pdf