Stephen E. Hardison

Stephen Eugene Hardison was born on September 10th, 1948 in Riverside, California to Gene and Diana Hardison.

At 17 years old, he voluntarily enlisted in the Marine Corp and became a Electronic Countermeasures Operator. He served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. He received an honorable discharge and returned to Riverside where he married and had two sons, Cory and Paul Hardison. Steve attended school for welding and went to work for the city of Riverside public utilities department.

Steve wanted cleaner air and a better life for his boys so he moved his family to Willard, Missouri in 1975.

Steve was hired at Paul Mueller in Springfield as a welder and eventually became a supervisor.

Steve was very active and devoted Father. He coached his sons' Mighty Mites football team and was a Cubmaster for the local Cub Scouts chapter. Steve met Sherry Rowland in 1999 and found the love of his life. They were married in 2002.

Steve retired from Mueller in 2010 and kept himself busy with side projects for friends and family and raising cattle. There wasn't much that Steve could not fix or build.

Steve was one of the last of a great generation of men. He was always very stoic and reserved. When he did speak, it was usually something very quick witted or very profound. Steve was thoughtful and very generous with his time. He could always be counted on for advice or any favor that was asked of him. Steve had a reputation as an honest and honorable man who was well respected by all that knew him.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Hardison, his two sons, Cory and Paul Hardison, his daughter Amanda Roger's and his sister, Connie Anderson. He was a beloved Father and Grandfather to ten grandchildren.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Diana Hardison, his brother, Curtis Hardison, his sister, Debbie Hardison and his step son Scott Rowland.

A memorial visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.