J. Duncan Hardesty

Jesse Duncan Hardesty, 82, of Dover, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in Hennis Care Centre in Dover following an extended illness.

Born on April 12, 1927, in Dover he was the son of the late, Edgar Alonso and Fern Beer Hardesty.
He attended Dover High School. On December 27, 1945 he joined the Army Air Force, where he was a 602 Clerk during World War II. He was honorably discharged on November 1, 1948.

Later, he worked for The Timken Company in New Philadelphia, Republic Steel and the Dover Post Office for many years.

He was a member of the Dover American Legion #205, a social member of the Dover VFW, and the Army Navy Club, as well as a life member of the Dover Eagles 515. He was a man who was fascinated with history and spent many hours reading historical books. Duncan loved growing tomato plants, golfing, bowling, and working on cars. His favorite past time was spending time with his six granddaughters, who knew him as their "Pappy."

He is survived by; his best buddy, Jake Warther of Dover; best friend, Sarah Powell of New Philadelphia; his two adopted daughters; Margaret (Bud) Blake of New Philadelphia and Susan (Jay) Custer of Sugarcreek; six granddaughters; Ashlee, Allison, Amy and Annie Blake all of New Philadelphia and Sarah and Nicole Custer both of Sugarcreek; his sister in-law, F. Ann Hardesty of Uhrichsville; two nephews, Edward C. Hardesty and Matthew Gerald Hardesty, both of Nokomis, Florida; his niece, Allison E. Bechtol of Uhrichsville; a great niece, Carrie S. Herbert of Uhrichsville; and two great-great nephews, Ian M. Pyle and Drayven A. Herbert both of Uhrichsville.

He is preceded in death by his brother Gerald Edgar Hardesty.

A celebration of Duncan's life will take place at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover on Monday, May 4, 2009 at 12:00 pm with Pastor Jim Borton officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dover, where the Dover VFW will conduct a military service. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 until 12:00.

Monetary donations can be made in Duncan's name to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, Ohio 44622.

Toland HerzIg
Dover
330-343-6132