Obituary of Denton E. Hardison

Denton E. Hardison, age 86, lifelong resident of Ransomville, died Thursday November 26, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Denton was born April 13, 1929 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Dayton E. and Mabel (Benedict) Hardison. He was a 1947 graduate of Youngstown High School and a 1949 graduate of Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science. A Veteran of the Korean War, Denton enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950. He served a total of three years in Europe and Puerto Rico before his honorable discharge with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1954. While in the service he married Esther N. Bradley on January 18, 1951. Upon his discharge, Denton joined his father in the operation of the family business, Hardison Funeral Homes, Inc. Denton was very proud of the fact that he annually fulfilled the requirements to maintain his active funeral directing license continuously for 63 years. Denton has been a member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Company since 1946, as well as an Exempt Member. He was a Charter Member of the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston; a member of the O. Leo Curtiss American Legion Post #830 in Ransomville; a member of the Ransomville Masonic Lodge #551 F & AM; and a member of the NY State Funeral Directors Association, the Erie Niagara Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. Denton was a member and long time supporter of St. John Episcopal Church in Youngstown. He enjoyed vacationing with his family and friends on fishing trips in Canada and wintering in Myrtle Beach, SC for many years. Denton was the proud owner of a 1933 air cooled Franklin and a 1957 Thunderbird. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, the H.H. Franklin Club, Inc., and the Classic Thunderbird Club International. He also enjoyed NASCAR and local stock car racing. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Esther; his children, Jan and Bradley Hardison both of Ransomville, and Paige Hardison of Lindenhurst, NY; two grandsons, Evan and Ian Hardison; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Campbell and his brother, Gerald Hardison. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Tuesday from 7 - 9 PM and Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 3, at 11:00 am in the funeral home, with the Rev. Charles Lamb officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the North Ridge Cemetery, Church Rd., Town of Cambria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ransomville Fire Co. Antique Truck Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131. The family of Denton E. Hardison would like to extend heartfelt and sincere thanks for all the many acts of kindness and support that were showered upon us since Denton passed from us on Thanksgiving Day. A warm thank you for all who called, sent cards, online condolences, flowers, and food, made memorial contributions, and comforted us during the visitations and funeral. We would like to especially acknowledge our steadfast and loyal neighbors and extended family who were there for us prior, during, and after our loss. We would be remiss if we did not specifically thank and acknowledge the following organizations for their attendance and participation in the services and funeral: The officers and members of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. # 1 and the ladies Auxillary, the Ransomville Fire Co. Fire Police; the officers and member of the Ransomville O. Leo Curtiss American Legion Post #830; the Newfane American Legion Post #873 Firing Detail; the Lewiston Kiwanis; the officers and members of the Erie Niagara Funeral Directors Association; the Honor Guard from the U.S. Air Force; and the Mt. St. Mary’s Board of Associates. We would also like to thank the Rev. Charles Lamb for his ministry and support as well as all of the area clergy who offered their comfort and prayers. Thank you one and all. Esther, Jan, Brad, and Paige Hardison