Robert A. Hardy, 79, died Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Golden Living Center in Scottsbluff.
He and his twin brother, Donald, were born in Alliance on August 29, 1935 to Howard and Lucille Hardy.
He attended school in Alliance until he joined the U.S. Army to train as a paratrooper on May 1953. He was assigned to the Battery A Airborne Field Artillery Battalion of the 11th Airborne School at Fort Benning Georgia. He was severely injured during training when his main parachute failed to open fully and his emergency parachute failed as well. The Fort Benning Commander, Major Robert Malloy presented Robert with his parachute wings while he was recuperating in the hospital. Following his release he resumed training, but was eventually given a medical discharge. Following his discharge Robert returned to Alliance area and worked on area ranches.
He married Margie Hoffer in June 1962 and they were married for 34 years before separating, but were best of friends and companions for the rest of his life.
He is survived by his daughter, Rose Anna Hardy, loving companion, Margie Hardy, his step-daughters, Vickie Winslow of Scottsbluff and Lynn Dykes of Alliance, his sisters, Shirley Smith of Mitchell, NE and Mary May Danforth of Fort Collins, CO. He is also survived by his cousin, Marvin Groce of Alliance, his best-friends, Sam and Diana Mundt of Alliance, and his little dog, Plato.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Leota Hardy, step-sons, Steve Dykes and Billy Hoffer, his four brothers, LaVern, Norman, Jerry Joe, Richard, his brother-in-law, Bill Smith and his nephew, Larry Leonhart.
Graveside services will be Thursday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.