Gary Duane Hardesty

Gary Duane Hardesty, 76, of Lake Charles passed away Friday, February 11, 2022 in a local hospital following a brief illness.

Mr. Hardesty was a native of Mannford, OK and lived most of his life in Lake Charles. He was a graduate of Orange High School, Lamar University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and Education and Pepperdine University where he earned a master’s degree. Following graduation, he taught American History and coached basketball and track at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in Rolling Hills, California. He served as a Professor at San Bernardino Valley College and Associate Professor at Arizona State University. Shortly thereafter, he began studying Stock Brokerage, which began his career in stocks and commodities, primarily for EF Hutton Investment Banking. In the mid 1980’s, Gary moved his family to Lake Charles after accepting an offer to be Managing Partner for KVHP Television. Mr. Hardesty also entered into other business ventures over the years including Xtreme Auto Accessories which was designed and developed with his son, Blair. He always kept busy and was actively involved in some kind of project. During his younger years, he traveled cross country for competition Motocross with his son. He always enjoyed playing tennis, racquet ball and later in life came to be quite skilled at pickleball. Amongst his favorite downtime activities was yard work: mowing, planting and flower gardening. He also welcomed the request for help with “all things yard work” from family and friends. Gary will be most remembered for his kind heart, forgiving nature, optimism and seeing the best in others.

He leaves to honor his memory, his wife of eighteen years, Jolene Michelle Aguillard Hardesty and their fur baby, Teddy of Lake Charles; one daughter, Helen Faye Hardesty of Lake Charles; three grandchildren, Alexis Blair Pousson (Garrett), Shyla Marie Hardesty (Austin Doyle) and Aiden Blair Borel; five great grandchildren, Jackson and Emma Pousson and Blair, Nicole and Sophia Doyle; one brother, Charles Hardesty (Lucy) of Sulphur; sisters-in-law, Flora Hardesty of Lake Charles and Barbara Hardesty of Hermosa Beach, CA; former wife and mother of his children, Lynne Nelson of Longview, TX and his dear family friend since 7^th grade, Jimmy Wilson of Richardson, TX .

He was preceded in death by his son, Blair Duane Hardesty; great granddaughter, Olivia Doyle; parents, Reverend George Leo Hardesty and Bertha Gilreath Hardesty; three brothers, Quentin, George and Herschell Hardesty; one sister, Wilma Hardesty and sister-in-law, Mary Hardesty.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to his family.