Obituaries from Saline County Arkansas October 6th
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Stephen Doyle “Steve” Hardin
Stephen Doyle “Steve” Hardin passed away on September 29, 2026, in Central Arkansas. He was born on January 28, 1948, in Lubbock, Texas, to Captain Cullen Doyle Hardin and Carolyn Nelson Hardin.
Steve grew up in Lubbock and graduated from Monterey High School in 1966, where he played basketball. He continued his athletic career at Texas Tech University, playing forward for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 1967 through 1970.
After graduating from Texas Tech, Steve joined the United States Air Force. He attained the rank of Captain, piloted B-52s, and was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. Steve and Sharon reconnected at a Monterey High School reunion, married in 1987, and relocated to Central Arkansas, where they made their home. Following his military service, Steve worked for ENSCO Environmental Services. After ENSCO, he worked as an independent contractor until his retirement.
Retirement did not keep Steve still for long. He went on to work at Bass Pro Shops, where he was able to combine his love of fly fishing with something equally important to him—being around people. The friendships he formed there, and the time spent sharing stories, knowledge, and a love of the outdoors, brought him great joy.
Steve found happiness in the simple things he loved most—good music, especially the Beatles and the Eagles, Texas Tech Red Raider sports, fly fishing, the outdoors, a casual meal, and time spent with friends. Friendship was an especially important part of his life, and he treasured both the lifelong friendships he carried with him and the new ones he continued to make throughout the years. Steve is survived by his wife, Sharon Hardin; his daughter, Caroline Hardin; his stepchildren, Bonner Cameron, Kellee Matlock, and Joseph Cameron; and his sister, Susan King-Lachance.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Captain Cullen Doyle Hardin, who died in the line of duty as a United States Air Force pilot, and Carolyn Nelson Hardin.
A memorial service honoring Steve’s life will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Roller Funeral Homes, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton, Arkansas. Steve would have loved nothing more than for his friends to gather together, share stories, and celebrate his life.
Steve has been cremated and will be laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at a later date.
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