Rev. John Daniel Hardin was born January 15, 1930 in Mexia, TX. To the union of Dave and Jessie Daniel Hardin. He was the 5th of five children.

Mr. John D. Hardin was preceded in death by his parents, his late wife of 59 years, Florine; his siblings, Dave, Dorothy, Idella and Calvin.

Rev. Hardin was a graduate of Dunbar High School in Mexia, TX where he was in a class of 26 students. He was a 1955 graduate of Texas College, Tyler, TX where he received a BS degree and played football under Coach Fred "Pop" Long and which he was Captain of the football team in his senior year. He pledged Omega Psi Phi Inc. Sigma Chapter '54.

He received a MS Degree from Prairie View A&M and he attended Baylor University to seek his Doctorate Degree, Rev. Hardin continued several religious colleges and Institutions to further his work for the Lord.

In 1955, he married Florine who he was married to for 59 years until her death. To that union there are 3 sons, Larry, John and Michael.

His first job was teaching in Troup, TX. He then went on to enlist in the Navy with an Honorable discharge. He went on to become a teacher/coach in Groesbeck and Marlin, TX. He even taught Special Education for some period of time until he was called to preach. He pastored several churches, to include Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Mart, TX; Bright Star in Florien, Louisiana and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Jasper, TX where he Pastored for 44 years. At Mt. Olive Baptist Church, he and others started the Summer Food Service Program. He faithfully served and gave to the Jasper community for many years. He received a U.S. Volunteer Service Award, a Distinguish Service Award from President Barack Obama, a award from Congressman Charles Wilson and the "keys" to the City of Jasper.

He is a member of the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church under leadership of Pastor Anthony Williams Jasper, TX. He also attended weekly services at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church; Hitchcock, TX until his health failed under the leadership of Rev. Darrell Glenn for the past 8 years.

He later met and married Thelma Louise, whom he adored. Their relationship was blessed by God and grew beyond measure.

Rev. John D. Hardin was a man of integrity, compassion and unwavering faith. He believed in living a life that honored God, and he leaves behind a legacy of service, love and discipleship. Whenever anyone encountered his presence, he made sure that they knew about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His mission was to try to get people to know how important it was to change their lives before it was too late.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife, Thelma Louise Hardin; sons, Larry, John and Michael; daughter, Trinda L. Harris; one grandson, two granddaughters; two great grandsons, other relatives and friends.