Norman Laverne "Tubby" Hardrick, 62 year-old longtime Vinita resident, died Thursday, January 17, 2013 after a battle with cancer. Tubby was born March 2, 1950 to Virginia Hardrick Tyler. He was a 1968 graduate of Vinita High School, following graduation; he joined the United States Army and reached the rank of Specialist 4. While serving in the military, he participated in the Viet Nam Campaign and received the following awards; National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal W/2 Bronze Stars, 2 08 Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/1960 Device, Marksman (M-14), Sharpshooter (M-16), Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Commendation Award. After being discharge from the Army, Tubby returned home to Vinita and began his 43 year career with the United States Postal Service. While a resident of Vinita, Tubby was an active member of the American Legion Dale Peace Post #40 and the V.F.W. He was also active with the Vinita Jaycees, the Oklahoma State Association of Letter Carriers and Auxiliary and an Avid member of the Union of Letter Carriers. Tubby was a well-known umpire for many years in Vinita and surrounding areas. He loved to bowl and to play baseball. Tubby is survived by his spouse of 19 years Betty L. Ironside and the seven children he helped her rear: Jakob, Jazlyn, and Joseph French, Corbett Taylor, Chiquita Caranza-Smith, Jackie Jackson and her daughter Shawna Jackson. He is also survived by five siblings, Faye Hardrick Bolden and husband James, Roger Tyler and wife Dollie, Jerry Tyler and wife Deanna all of Vinita, Frank Tyler, Jr. of Pryor and Willie Tyler. Other family members include, Aunt Wilda Hardrick, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death were his mother Virginia Tyler, his grandparents, Amanda and Lee Roy Hardrick, Aunts Josephine Bullock, Louise Phillips and Loy Young. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2013 at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita. Casket bearers will be: Jerry Tyler, Roger Tyler, Frank Tyler, Jr., Jarrett Phillips, Charles Wadsworth, and Jackie Johnson. Honorary bearers, Louie Brown and Leonard Hardrick. The funeral service for Tubby Hardrick will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Vinita, with Rev. Farris Downing officiating. Interment and military rites will follow at the Ketchum Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.
Visitation Details
Monday, January 21st, 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita
Service Details
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 2:00pm, Trinity Baptist Church of Vinita
Interment Details
Ketchum Cemetery