William Hardin

William Joseph Hardin passed from this life at home, Green Country Village, Bartlesville, OK July 25th, 2021, 102 years old.  Born in Lehigh, OK, April 7th, 1919, he grew up and graduated high school in McAlister, OK., earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at OSU, Stillwater, worked in accounting, then entered Army Officer’s Training Flight School for WWII. Reassigned to the Infantry for the 3rd invasion at Omaha Beach, he attained the rank of First Lieutenant.

The GI Bill funded Hardin’s first Dentistry degree from University of Missouri, Kansas City Dental School. Graduating in 1949, he anchored a Bartlesville practice until his dental school peer returned from service in Korea.

Married to Tulsan Frances Elizabeth Urban, (Betty) 1950, Beverly Sue, (Suzie) of Tulsa, OK and Stephen Joseph Hardin (deceased), completed the family. Also preceding him in death: his sister, Pansy Fern Hager of McAllister, and parents Addie Caldwell Hardin and Joseph Donley Hardin.

Hardin applied his Master of Science in Orthodontics degree, 1959, to join the practice of Dr. Harold Born, Bartlesville. Following Born’s demise, Hardin established a private practice. He earned  honors in his field including: the Benjamin Franklin Scroll awarded by the Oklahoma State Dental Association, 1960; The American Board of Orthodontics (Oklahoma’s third member), 1965; and Orthodontic Alumnus of the Year, 1986.

Hardin belonged to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, The Rotary Club, and Lambda Chi Omega Fraternity. He supported the Oklahoma State University Men’s Golf team enjoying many years playing in their annual Invitational Seniors Pro/AM tournament.

Hardin’s passion for golf netted awards including The President’s Cup Tournament, Championship Flight Winner, Hillcrest Country Club, 1977 & 1986;  Seniors Club Championship, President’s Flight, Hillcrest Country Club, 1992; and a PGA Golf Club salute to his Hole in One at Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 1993. The story he most enjoyed sharing occurred at Yampa Valley Golf Club in Craig, CO after Hardin retired from Orthodontics. He scored a double eagle on a hole where two nesting eaglets watched from a massive tree mid-fairway.

His booklet, “A Guide to Good Health After 50” resulted at age 93 in response to inquiries to his secret. Hardin gave copies to anyone seeking common sense steps toward greater wellness. At 99 Hardin’s graphic poster warned of the risks of illegal drugs or deciding to drink and drive. The Bartlesville Public School system placed the poster in every local school. Hardin’s key philosophy resonates with family and friends today, “You’ve got to stay positive!”

Known as “The Ever-Ready Bunny,” Hardin’s energy and his Mercurial sense of humor will be missed by many. A graveside memorial is planned at Rose Hill Cemetery, Tulsa, on August 9th at 10 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the CJ “Pete” Silas Boys and Girls Club in Bartlesville will be appreciated.