Daniel Hardy

Daniel Charles Hardy departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2025 after a battle with cancer and kidney disease. He was surrounded by family and friends during his decline and we all rejoice in his ascension.

Daniel was born April 4th, 1940 in Iowa, Louisiana, living most of his life there. He’s the fourth son of Asa and Matile Hardy, one of eight children. He graduated from Lacassine High School as the valedictorian, then followed in his father’s footsteps and became a farmer. Following retirement, he taught himself about investing and enjoyed tracking the stock market.

Daniel was known for his work ethic, sense of humor, musical ability and faith in God. Throughout his life, he put forth maximum effort in all that he did on the farm. He passed this on to his kids, allowing them to work with him at extremely early ages, instilling in them a sense of confidence, proficiency and responsibility. A hands on person, Daniel’s first option was always to repair or maintain equipment himself before calling in an expert. Thank goodness for gray tape and wire because repairing something good enough was usually good enough for him. Although farming was an extremely stressful and difficult occupation, he seemed to flourish in that environment, undoubtedly earning him a reputation as having a successful and productive 40+ year career.

Daniel most certainly enjoyed laughing and had an infectious sense of humor. People rarely visited with him without laughing at least a few times. He enjoyed reminiscing and usually found ways to tell stories in a humorous manner. Many of these stories were shared for decades during his daily morning coffees with his parents and siblings and weekly BBQs or cookouts with family and friends. Also, he was fascinated with drawing similarities within his life with the number 4 (born on the fourth day of the fourth month in the 40th year of the twentieth century; was his parent’s 4th child, had 4 sons, his only daughter was his 4th child, lived at exit 44 of I-10, and on and on).

Daniel was a very talented, self-taught accordion player. Although his kids would often accompany him on ice cream bucket drums and spoons during his daily jam sessions at his house in the good ole days, he preferred using real musician friends to back him up as he performed at many local dances and parties. When he became too old to play, he took great pride in learning how to search YouTube for all of his favorite Cajun artists and songs and teaching his elderly friends how to search YouTube topics that interested them.

Daniel’s unwavering faith in God was a guiding light to his family and friends. For over 80 years, he found strength and solace in attending Mass whenever possible and was a devoted third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. In his later years, he faithfully prayed the rosary each day. Daniel had a generous heart and a quiet way of helping those in need, offering friendship and support without seeking recognition, his kindness at times known only to God.

Though he deeply mourned the loss of his beloved wife and was never one to seek the spotlight, Daniel found renewed purpose and joy upon moving to The Gardens Assisted Living Facility. There, he was embraced with love and warmth by both residents and staff, a testament to the impact of his gentle spirit. Seeing the happiness he found in his final years brings great comfort to those who loved him.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Asa and Matile Hardy; brothers, Dudley, Ray, Ralph and Willie Hardy; sister, Diane Fontenot; brother-in-law, George Gotreaux; and wife, Delores. He is survived by his children, Ronnie (Fiona), Brian (Pamela), Stephen (Melanie), Dina (Rex Royer), Jason (Karen); stepdaughter, Rebecca Meyers; sister, Laura Gotreaux; brother, Eugene (Elaine); sisters-in-law, Laura, Gertrude, Judith; brother-in-law, Jack Fontenot; 8 grandchildren; 6 step grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lacassine on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Roland Vaughn, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa. Visitation begins on Wednesday in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday in the funeral home from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Fellowship will follow at the Iowa KC Hall.

“And when our work is done, our course on earth is run, may it be said ‘Well done, be thou at peace’”