Chester Hardin

His journey began---Chester Lynn Hardin was born in Tupelo, Arkansas to the late Chester Hardin and Maxine Hutchens Hardin. He was the youngest of three children.

Chester received his education in the Tupelo and Newport School systems and briefly attend Arkansas Tech in Russellville.  He and was baptized into the Church of Christ. He married Louise O’Brian Edwards on October 22, 1999.

And climbed so high---He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1967.  He served in South Korea at the demilitarized zone.

Chester began a career in law enforcement working for the Russellville and Jonesboro Police Departments.

After moving to California in the late 1960’s, he began an aviation career that spanned 30 years working for Douglas Aircraft, Lear Jet, and Garrett Turbine Engine.  He traveled throughout the world working on business jets owned by entertainers, business corps, and kings, as the head of his crews.

Left his imprint on the lives of many---In 1986, he was living in Tempe, Arizona. Here he started his career in woodworking and woodturning.  He was a member of several woodturning organizations in Arizona and Arkansas, and belonged to the American Association of Woodturners for 28 years.

After retirement he moved to Hot Springs and then North Little Rock, Arkansas where he continued his craft.  He loved turning wood to create extraordinary bowls that exhibited he natural beauty of the wood.  No two pieces of art were alike and he created his own designs.

His work sold in several art galleries in Arizona and Arkansas.  He enjoyed creative work of any kind, and liked making furniture and remodeling anything.

And found Glory---After suffering a stroke in January 2014, Chester never walked again and gradually began to decline.  He lived at home until January, 2021.

He was called home on May 17, 2021 at the age of 80.  We know he is at home with God and is at Peace at last.

These are the ones left behind to mourn his passing and remember the good times:  Wife of 21 years, Louise Hardin; Children: Kay Lynn of Ozark, Debbie Caulder (Glen) of Cypress, California; Donald Hardin (Tanya) of Peoria, Arizona and David Hardin of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Margaret Ure (Bob) of Santa Rosa, California; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; Step-children:  Karen Woodruff (Tony) of North Little Rock, Jeff Edwards (Tammy) of Little Rock and Scott Edwards of Cabot.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Jones.

Honorary pallbearers include Donald Hardin, David Hardin, Jeff Edwards, Scott Edwards, Glenn Caulder, Jake Elrod and Colton Edwards.

Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M., Tuesday, May 25, 2021, followed by the funeral at 11:30 A.M. at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.  Burial with military honors will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.