Willie (Will) E. Hardin, formerly of the Bluffs area of East Carondelet, IL passed away August 3, 2024 at Delmar Gardens South Nursing Home, St. Louis, MO at the age of 92. Born September 25, 1931, in Lynn, AR, Will lived a fruitful life that included a 71-year marriage to Sammie (Tilley), who preceded him in death in July 2023.

Will had a hard-work ethic, seasoned from his growing up in the hard scrabble life of farming communities in Northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel in the 1930s and 40s. Will moved his young family to St. Louis in the early 1950s and began a career at a printing company, Silk Screen Products Co., where he worked many years as a graphic artist, a job that didn't come naturally to him but that he worked very hard to become skilled. Will and Sammie also owned three successful businesses - Hardin Confectionary, Mode-O-Day Women's Store (in partnership with Joe and Faye Lanius) and Hardin Screen Printing – where the couple worked very hard to provide for their family.

Will was a selfless man. He wasn't one to buy something for himself - he owned no toys or unnecessary clothing. Anything he owned, you could always borrow (and sometimes break, without a harsh word in return). Will was God-fearing, but not preachy and gave up much of his time and earnings to the support of Cahokia Park United Methodist Church and later Bethany United Methodist in Columbia, IL. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and provider. A life well lived.

Preceded in death by his parents, Willie Hardin, Sr and Gracie (Medlock), brother Edward Hardin of Kewanee, MO, sisters Ruby (Barbre) of New Madrid, MO and Geneva (Pitzen) of Nashville, TN. Survivors are brother Leroy Hardin of Cookeville, TN, sons Michael J "Joe" Hardin (Betty) of Columbia, IL, Ronald D. Hardin (Becky) of Nevada, MO, Kevin E. Hardin (Kathy) of Dupo, IL and David J. Hardin (Kathy) of Columbia, IL, as well as 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Special thanks from the family extended to Delmar Gardens South staff for providing care in a caring and dignified manner during Willie's final stages of his life.

Condolences may be expressed online at braunfh.com.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the funeral home, with Reverend John Annable officiating.  Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.