Warren "Bud" Hardin

Warren "Bud" Hardin was born on September 2, 1932 to Francis L. Hardin and Maude Mae Baker Smith Hardin in East Grand Plains, New Mexico. He passed away on June 18, 2010 at the family home, surrounded by his loved ones. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 4:00 PM, Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. There will be no visitation, as cremation will take place. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.Times were hard during his childhood but this only strengthened his love for life. He attended school in Dexter, NM, graduating in 1950. He excelled at basketball during his time at Dexter. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. While attending college in Albuquerque he met his soulmate, Henrietta (Katie) Martinez while working at a burger joint, Lionel's. It was love at first sight. This was a match made for a lifetime. They wed on February 27, 1960, recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They had five children. Bud loved fishing, especially with his grandchildren. He was never short of time to "bait a hook" with the kids. He worked at PCA/Eddy Potash for 30 years, but retired early so younger union members could keep their jobs. Bud was president of I.A.M. local 1265, an AFL-CIO union, for 20 years. His dedication to helping union members was above and beyond the call of duty. He coached his sons at National Little League, also serving as League President. He also loved to coach little girls softball. Having three daughters kept him busy with the sport. Bud had a love of reading and playing cards, which he shared first with his kids and later with his grandkids. He always had room on his lap and time for "just one more story, Grandpa!" His love of education led him to establish the C. M. Norris Memorial Scholarship in honor of a long-time union leader. He was preceded in death by his parents, half-brother, Edward Smith; brother, Jimmy Hardin and sister, Betty Louise Hilton. He is survived by his wife, Katie, of the family home; sons, Warren Gene Hardin, Jr. and wife, Annette, Jon Kevin Hardin and Sean Harrison; daughters, Suzanne Marie Kiser and husband, Perry; Betty Dianne Hardin and Gina Louise Hardin all of Carlsbad; grandkids: Aaron Michael Hardin of Pensacola, FL, Rhiannon Michelle Hardin, Edward James "Teddy" Hardin, Olivia Faith Hardin, Brandon Luc Kiser, Bret Logan Kiser, Caitlin Marilee Carrasco and Bailee Renee Hardin all of Carlsbad, NM; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Honorary pallbearers are Roy Hall, Juan Garza, Julio Martinez, Floyd Bartlett, Brandon Kiser, Bret Kiser, Aaron Hardin, Teddy Hardin and Ozzy Brown. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the C. M. Norris Memorial Scholarship fund in care of the Carlsbad Foundation, 116 S. Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.