Howard Lee Hardwick

Howard Lee Hardwick of Somerset, Kentucky, age 67, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 1, 2015, following a brief illness. Howard was born on August 26, 1947 in Kidder, Kentucky to the late Robert Cecil and Darvel Ella Mitchell Hardwick. He was a member of East Somerset Baptist Church. Howard was a union carpenter for 30 years, a member of Local 1650, and he was a project superintendent for Wehr Constructors, Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky for several years until he retired at age 58 in 2005. In his earlier years, Howard attended school in Ferguson, Kentucky. He served in the United States Armed Forces during the War in Vietnam, where he piloted a river barge delivering supplies. Howard loved being outside. He loved the land. He loved farming and taking care of his cows, many of which he would name after family members. Howard liked to build things, and kept himself busy with projects. He completed his most recent project last October, rebuilding a barn in his back field, and took great pride in his work. When he wasn't out on the farm or working on a project, Howard enjoyed playing cards, watching NASCAR or UK Basketball, and spending time on the front porch with his family and a cup of coffee. Howard enjoyed a special bond with his granddaughter, Emily, who called him Papa. Howard is survived by his wife, Patricia Cundiff Hardwick, 2 sons, Barry Lee Hardwick and Michael Brandon Hardwick, his daughter in law, Lori Ann Hardwick, his granddaughter, Emily Catherine Hardwick, 2 sisters, Pearl Gearhart and Regina Baker, 5 sisters in law, Laura Hardwick, Audrey Hardwick, Marsha Vaught, Wanda Murphy, and Margie Mize, 5 brothers in law, Tommy Tucker, Bob Baker, Bobby Mize, Darrell Murphy, and Huey Vaught, and several nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Cecil Hardwick and Darvel Ella Hardwick, his sister, Mary Tucker, his brothers, Claude Hardwick and Ronnie Hardwick, an infant brother, 2 brothers in law, Frank William Gearhart and Ray Vance Mize, and a sister in law, Lois Mize. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at the Pulaski Funeral Home with Bro. Dale Whitaker, Bro. Carlos New, and Bro. Jim McKinney officiating. Burial will follow in the Fellowship Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Pulaski Funeral Home after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. January 6, 2015. Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.