Robert “Steve” Hardy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 81.
Steve was the devoted husband of Mary Jane “Connaway” Hardy. They were married for 60 years and built a life centered on faith, family, love, and countless cherished memories.
He was the proud father of three children: Stephanie (Chuck) Waggoner, Stacie (Scott) Wampler, Joe Hardy (Misty Diehl), and a special cousin affectionately known as Loren B. Hardy Cousin #1, who spent Saturdays at their country home. His family was the source of his greatest pride and joy. He was a loving grandfather to Emily, Deven, Jake, Gage, Mimi, Addison, Amelia, Spencer, and Bradey, and a cherished great-grandfather to Brylee and Avery. Steve treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his love for family was at the heart of everything he did.
He is also survived by his siblings, Brenda (David) Gerrish, Toni (Paul) Bailey, Tim (Rhonda) Coates, Eddie Hardy, in-laws Chris ( Mary) Connaway and Cathy (Mark) Geiger, stepmother Marilyn Coates, lifelong friends Orland Bauer and sons as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.
Steve was raised with love and guidance by his mother, Naomi Hardy, and father Edward Hardy, who played an important role in his life and helped shape the man he became. Later in life, Steve was blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with his biological father, Bob Coates. Through that reunion, he was able to build meaningful relationships with his father and siblings from that side of the family. He remained deeply grateful for the family who raised him, as well as the family he was able to reconnect with later in life. Each held a special place in his heart.
One of Steve’s favorite sayings was, “I’ve lived a great life.” Those words reflected both his gratitude and the way he approached life, with appreciation for the many blessings he received along the way.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Naomi and Edward Hardy; his biological father, Bob Coates; his siblings, Jerry Williams, Steve Coates, and Matt Coates; and his daughter-in-law, Mandi Hardy.
A proud veteran, Steve served in the United States Army and was stationed in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 as a member of the 5th Special Forces Group. After returning home, he devoted 33 years of service to Union Pacific Railroad, building a career marked by hard work, perseverance, and pride in a job well done.
In retirement, Steve embraced an active lifestyle and was a familiar face at The Body Shoppe, where he worked out every day. Staying healthy was one of his passions, but what he cherished most were the friendships and sense of community he found there. He genuinely enjoyed spending time with his Body Shoppe gym family and formed lasting bonds with many of the people he met there.
Steve had a heart full of love and kindness, and everyone who knew him felt like family. His warmth, generosity, and compassionate spirit made others feel welcome, valued, and cared for. To know Steve was to experience his unwavering friendship and genuine concern for others. He brought joy, comfort, laughter, and encouragement wherever he went, leaving a lasting impression on all whose lives he touched.
Steve will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his enduring friendships, and the love he shared with all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched throughout his life.
“I’ve lived a great life.” Those who knew and loved Steve would agree.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, with Father Steven Pautler and Father George Mauck officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois, with Military Honors accorded at the gravesite by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Southern Illinois Veteran Honor Flight and/or Murray Center Parents Association and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, which is honored to be of service to Steve’s Family during this time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Steve Hardy, please visit our Sympathy Store.
