John W. Hardesty, age 76, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011 at his residence in Massillon.

He was born July 29, 1935, the son of George A. Hardesty and Mary Margaret Morgan.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He had previously worked for the Massillon Police Dept. and retired from the former LTV where he was supervisor of security for 36 years. He enjoyed boating and fishing and spending time at Tappen Lake with his family and friends.

John is survived by his son and daughter-in-law John and Melissa Hardesty II of Massillon, daughters Julie Blomstran of Jackson Twp and Amy Williams (Mike Paul) of Massillon grandchildren Tyler and Kristyn Blomstran, Kyrstin and Jonathan Hardesty, Cody and Jaci Williams, sisters May Daut of Massillon and Roberta (Pete) Dimitroff of Jackson Twp., and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife whom he married Sept. 6, 1958, Evelyn (Stidd) Hardesty who passed away Sept. 22, 2004, infant son Eric Hardesty, two brothers Jim and George Hardesty.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 11 A.M. at Heitger Funeral Home - Jackson Chapel 5850 Wales Ave. N.W., Massillon with Rev. Elaina Styblo officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 6 to 8 PM and again on Thursday from 10 to 11 A.M. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Buckeye Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, 26250 Euclid Av Suite 114, Euclid, Ohio 44132.

Please leave condolences at www.heitger.com

Heitger Funeral Service - JACKSON CHAPEL 330-830-0148.