Truman W. Hardy

Truman William Hardy, one of four children of Orville Arthur Hardy and Cora Stella (Kelso) Hardy, was born June 27, 1912 in Glenwood, Iowa. Truman first attended school in Glenwood and in 1921, the family moved to Malvern, Iowa where Truman completed his schooling through the 10th grade. After school, he worked with George Pace in the painting business for several years and then worked at the Malvern Cold Storage until 1938.
Truman was united in marriage to Mildred B. Strand of Glenwood on July 1, 1938. They made their home in Anderson, Indiana where Truman worked in a steel mill until 1940. They then moved to Buffalo, New York and Truman worked for the Curtis Wright Aircraft. In December of 1942, Truman entered the United States Air Force. He spent most of his service in the European Theater Operations and returned home in 1946. While Truman was gone, Mildred spent the war years in Glenwood working at the Glenwood Creamery for her parents, mainly delivering milk and cutting and wrapping butter.
In March of 1946, they moved to Malvern where Truman started in the painting and wallpapering business, a business that would continue on for over 50 years. Truman and Mildred's marriage was blessed with two children, Truman Durand (Randy) and Deborah Diann. Mildred cared for the children and after they were grown, she worked side-by-side with Truman in his painting and wallpapering business.
Truman served on the Malvern City Council and later served as Mayor for two terms. He was an active member of the Harry Hammon American Legion Post 520 in Malvern. Among his enjoyments were hunting and fishing, clock repairing and refinishing furniture.
Due to failing health, Truman moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Red Oak, Iowa in September of 2005. Truman and Mildred had been married 67 years at the time of his death at the Good Samaritan on November 9, 2005. He had attained the age of 93 years, 4 months, and 12 days.
Truman was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Verlin Hardy and Corwin Hardy. He is survived by his wife Mildred Hardy of Malvern; son Randy Hardy of St. Joseph, MO; daughter Deborah Isaacs and her husband Howard of Unadilla, NE; four grandchildren, Laura Hardy of Jefferson City, MO; Ben Hardy of St. Joseph, MO; Adrian Isaccs and his wife Lia of Beaver Lake, NE; Ashlee Michel and her husband Chad of Grand Island, NE; sister Melva Wallace of Malvern; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.