Stanton Lee Hardy, 90, of Desloge died Oct. 1, 2025, at his home. Mr. Hardy graduated from Elvins High School at the age of 16. He attended Flat River Junior College and completed his bachelor's of science in chemistry at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he was accepted into the medical school and graduated as part of its first medical class. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany as a captain. Upon returning to the U.S., he purchased the practice of Dr. Gaebe and later formed a partnership with Dr. William Paul Dennis in Desloge. Throughout his 40-year medical career, he was known for his compassion, dedication to others and skill as a physician.
In his earlier years, he showcased his adventurous spirit and leadership qualities and received the distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He was a member of United Memorial Methodist Church in Farmington and Elvins Ionic Lodge 154, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He enjoyed playing the piano, singing, reading history or poetry and traveling with his wife. He led both an Explorer Scout Troop and Desloge Boy Scout Troop 564 and was also a volunteer doctor to the local Golden Gloves and on the Board of Directors of the local Audubon Society. Born on Dec. 9, 1934, in Elvins, he was the son of the late Amos Owen and Mary Louise (Meyer) Hardy.
He was preceded in death by wife of 58 years: Jean Ellen (Marler) Hardy, whom he married after dating for 6 weeks.
He is survived by three children: Stephanie (Raffy) Chilingerian, Brian (fiancee Kayla) Hardy and Katherine Hardy; nine grandchildren: Lena Katherine and Harry Chilingerian, Madison, Alexandra and Blake Stanton Hardy, Sophia and Anna Caroline Hardy-Senkel, Collins Jean and Colbie Hardy; a brother in-law: Steve (Cathy) Marler; several nieces and nephews; a best friend: Michael Brookreson; and adopted family of caregivers: Frankie Jones, Shanona Jones Ketcherside, little Sophie Jones and her dog, Tutu; and many other family members and friends.
He also was preceded in death by a sister: Marilyn Hardy (Ken) Scheffel.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until a Masonic service at 10:45 a.m. and a funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home, 1116 N. Desloge Drive, in Desloge. The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Shannon Davis, with full military honors to follow. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, c/o Park Hills Senior Nutrition Center, 224 West Main, Park Hills, 63601, the L.I.F.E. Center in Farmington, lifecilmo.org/, or Help the Hungry Bake Sale. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home.