Lawrence C. Hardy

Lawrence C. Hardy 

1935-2023  

Lawrence C. Hardy, a long-time resident of Los Lunas, a dedicated, accomplished veteran of the United States Air Force and a skilled aircraft mechanic, passed away of natural causes at his home on Aug. 22, 2023.  

He was born on Oct. 6, 1935, and was 87 years old at the time of his passing.  

Lawrence’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, honor and duty. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for an impressive 23 years, rising through the ranks to senior master sergeant due to his exceptional skills and dedication as an aircraft mechanic and leader. His expertise ensured the safety and reliability of the aircraft that defended his nation.  

Following his distinguished service in the United States Air Force, Lawrence embarked on a diverse and impactful career journey. He began at Case Tractor in Clovis, N.M., where he applied his skills and work ethic. Subsequently, he joined K&B Appliance in Albuquerque, contributing his talents to the field. His expertise in aircraft maintenance led him to Rio Rancho, at Seven Bar Aviation to continue to use his aircraft maintenance skills.  

Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Lawrence founded Hardy’s Maintenance Co., and later transitioned to an instructive role at Colorado Aero Tech, Broomfield, Colo., sharing his wealth of knowledge. He continued to serve his country as a contractor for the Air Force in Tucson, Ariz., a role he also undertook in Del Rio, Texas. Additionally, his dedication to aviation persisted, as he worked at Mid Valley Air Park, Los Lunas.  

Lawrence’s post-military career was marked by a commitment to excellence and an enduring passion for the world of aviation.  

Lawrence joined the Air Force in 1953, and learned aircraft maintenance as his job. He served in many areas of the world, including Wichita Falls, Texas, Buenos Aires, Minot, N.D., Tucson, Ariz., Vietnam, Wichita, Kan., Honolulu, Hawaii, Clovis, N.M., and more. He quickly established himself as an invaluable asset within his field, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his attention to detail and technical prowess.  

While serving in the Air Force in Tucson, he met and married the love of his life, Janet M. Palser Allen, on Feb. 3, 1965.  

Beyond his military service, Lawrence was a devoted family man who treasured his relationships. He was the loving husband of the late Janet M. Hardy, his cherished wife of 51 years, who had preceded him in death. Their enduring love served as an inspiration to all who knew them. 

In addition to his wife, Janet, Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lillian Hardy; numerous siblings, and his in-laws, Wilbur and Natalie Palser.   

Lawrence is survived by his stepson, Douglas S. Allen, (Debbie) of Early, Texas; his son, John L. Hardy (Jeannette), of Rosamond, Calif.; his six grandchildren, Jason Allen (Mandy), of Jacksonville, Fla., Amanda Collins (Daniel), of Cypress, Texas, Jennifer Huffstutler (Robert), of La Center, Wash., Jarrod Allen (Monica), of Early, Texas, Lars Hardy (Erin), of Houston, Texas, and Chris Hardy (Savannah), of Rosamond, Calif. He is also survived by his five great-grandchildren, Averie, Aaron and Abbott Allen, and Samson and Titus Collins. His children will forever remember him as a caring and devoted husband, father and grandfather figure.  

He is also survived by his sister, Helen Puschel, of New Jersey.  

Lawrence had a deep passion for aviation that extended beyond his military duties. He loved everything about airplanes and often indulged in this interest as a hobby. He found joy in flying his own plane while at Seven Bar in Rio Rancho and keeping up with the latest developments in the field.  

Additionally, Lawrence’s dedication to service extended to his community. He and his wife were members of the Peralta Methodist Church in Peralta. He served as a Boy Scout Troop leader in Hawaii while stationed there, and continued his Scouting involvement in Los Lunas, positively impacting the lives of numerous young people and leaving a lasting impression on their development.  

A memorial service to honor Lawrence C. Hardy’s life and service will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe St., Santa Fe,  at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 6, which would have marked his 88th birthday. Friends, family and all those whose lives were touched by Lawrence are invited to attend and pay their respects.  

If you want to make a donation in Lawrence Hardy’s memory, he cared deeply for those lives touched by Alzheimer’s. Therefore, the family suggests donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization working to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Lawrence was deeply concerned about dementia and Alzheimer’s since it took the love of his life, Janet.  

As we bid farewell to Lawrence, we remember him as a true American hero, a devoted family man, a passionate aviation enthusiast, and a respected member of the community. His legacy will forever remind us of the importance of service, sacrifice, and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.  

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13  

Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, 2211-D Main St., SE, Los Lunas, 505-866-9992.