WINNEMUCCA, Nev. - Joel E. Hardesty, 64, left our world to be with his Lord on May 11, 2002.  Dad had been diagnosed with cancer just one month ago.

He was born in Sheridan, Wyo., on Aug. 28, 1937, to Olin E. and Martha Barker Hardesty.  The youngest of four sons, he completed the family, joining brothers James Elliott, Jan Eugene and John Evan.

Joel was raised in Sheridan and educated at Sheridan High School where he enjoyed playing football.

On a beautiful fall day in November, he and Lila Soloman were united in marriage.  They had six children, Susan, Margaret, Jon, William, Mary and Elizabeth.  When the family resided in Billings, Dad was employed with Continental Keil, Pepsi Cola and Standard Oil Co.  He worked in the gold mines in Nevada for N.A. Degerstrom.  He was a member of Operating Engineers, Local 3.

Joel and Carmen Gibson were married in October, 1977, just celebrating 25 years of marriage.  Dad enjoy trap shooting, traveling to many "shoots."  His highlight was shooting 200 targets in a row in Reno.

He enjoyed camping, hunting, RVing and NASCAR.

With his infectious smile and laugh and that sparkle in his eye, he never knew a stranger.  A man of integrity, he was truly a man's man.

He loved his family very much and we loved him.

We will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son William; brothers Jim and John; and nephew Jeff Hardesty.

Dad leaves behind his wife Carmen, his children and family, Susan and Dan Kautz, children Brent, Dustin, Amanda and Kurt, all of Huntley, Mont.; Margaret and Don Maddock of Bozeman, Mont., and their son Randy and his wife Heather of Phoenix; Jon and his children Joelyn, Jonathan and Josh, all of Great Falls, Mont.; Mary and Shawn Stewart and children Jesse, Casey and Tia, all of Sheridan, Wyo.; Beth and Arvin Huck and daughter Sydne, all of Minden, Nev.; stepchildren, Deb Alden of Laurel, Mont., Holly and Floyd Morasch of Phoenix, and Jim and Cheri Ringer and daughter Samantha of Virginia; brother, Jan and Marilou Hardesty of Billings; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Hardesty of Wyarno, Wyo., and Juanita Hardesty of Minneapolis, Kan.; several nieces, nephews and cousins and a whole bunch of good friends.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held on May 18 at the United Methodist Church in Winnemucca.  Albertson Funeral Home at 47 W. First St. is in charge of arrangements.  Interment and a memorial service will be held in Billings at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, PO Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107.

"I have fought the good fight.

"I have finished the race.

"I have kept the faith." - II Timothy 4:7.