Paul David Hardin

SANDUSKY — Paul David Hardin, 91, of Sandusky, entered eternal heaven on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, at Firelands Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 18, 1930, in Campbellsville, Kentucky, to the late Erie James Hardin, Sr. and Minnie (Tate) Hardin. He attended Campbellsville High School and left high school to enroll in the United States Army, where he served in the theater of the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged and received a parade in his hometown to honor his service to his country. He met the love of his life, Dr. Elsie M. (Murphy) Hardin, and the two were united in holy matrimony on Jan. 9, 1960. He met Dr. Murphy in Sandusky and pursued her in Silas, Alabama, to make her his wife. They were married in Toledo, Ohio, and four children were added to this household; Elnora, Paulette, Phillip and Paul Jude. The majority of his work life was dedicated to his technical craft of detail in automotive and mechanical industries. Paul was an industrious and ambitious worker who took great pride in his craftsmanship. He worked at Philco, Farrell-Cheek, and Texaco-Kramer Oil. The majority of his work life was dedicated to the Ford Motor Company, where he worked for nearly 50 years. He was one of the first workers to enter Lorain Ford and spent decades there as a respected and admired worker. He was a water test specialist and received special commendation and additional training from Ford Motor Company. He was such a technical specialist that senior management at Ford selected him to travel to California, Australia, Mexico, New Jersey and Rhode Island, among other states, to serve as a problem-solver for water test analysis for the company. He fondly recalled his days of "taking the red-eye from California" in order to get back home to his family. His co-workers knew him as "Hawk." Paul was a member of the Sandusky NAACP, and a 32nd degree Mason with the Cleveland, Ohio Chapter. He was an active member of the UAW Local 425 in Lorain and the American Legion in Sandusky. He was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Sandusky under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Curtis A. Brown. He especially enjoyed Sunday School and was a significant financial contributor to church projects and programs supported by his wife. He saved the majority of his time in dedication to his family. He spent time working multiple jobs to ensure his children had every opportunity. He was a loving and endearing father who guided his children to follow their dreams. He was also an astute entrepreneur and businessman and secured several properties for investment and long-range planning for his family. He was a distinguished gentleman who managed life with dignity, honor and commitment to his family and friends. One of his greatest personal joys was owning high-quality automobiles. He was especially fond of convertibles and was known to say, "every man should have a convertible." Paul leaves to mourn his passing his children, Elnora (Roger) Higgenbottom of Memphis, Tennessee, Paulette of Sandusky, Phillip (Jill) Hardin of Boston, Massachusetts, and Paul Jude Hardin of Boardman, Ohio; grandchildren, Antonio (Pam) Hardin of Sandusky, Simeon Hardin of Bronx, New York, Dameshio Lofton of Columbus, Ohio, and Blake and Grant Hardin of Boston, Massachusetts; great-grandchildren, Arryton Paige and Thailann Kensley Hardin, Spencer, Jr. and Carson Brown of Sandusky. He loved his special sisters-in-law, Reverend Ella (DeWitt) McDonald, Brunell (Danny) Aaron, Sr. and Anna (the late J.C.) Murphy; and brothers-in-law, Joe Murphy Jr. and Russell Murphy. Special thanks to his caregiver, Betty Jo Gillinger. He was proceeded in death by his loving and dedicated wife, Dr. Elsie M. (Murphy) Hardin; parents; siblings, including Augusta, Della Ann, Ray, Dennis, Cleo, Ulysses, Erie James, Jr., Sally Ann and Julie Mae. A celebration to honor the distinguished life of Paul David Hardin will occur with a public viewing starting at 10 a.m. until the time of services, at 12 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Dr. Eugene T. W. Sanders will officiate, with Rev. Clayton E. Howard, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, conducting the eulogy. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Sandusky. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.