Obituary of Martin Eugene Hardesty

Martin E. Hardesty, 87, passed away peacefully March 1st. A memorial service at the Christ Episcopal Church of Kent will be Wednesday noon with fellowship beginning at 11 am. Born July 14, 1927 in Akron, Martin served in the Army in Japan during WWII. With 41 years of service with the Goodyear blimp, he was instrumental in the development of the night sign program. In retirement he was active with the Lighter than Air Society and built and flew radio-controlled air craft with the Portage Air Modeler Club and the Corsair Model Aircraft Club. Martin was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Ruth Gardner Hardesty and his only son, Martin Robert Hardesty. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Woodford Hardesty, his sister Sandra Hardesty, and his daughters, Beth Waite, Jane Fogle, Laura Lane, Marilyn Reep and Theresa Scott, along with 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held 11 am July 31st at Wingfoot Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266.