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Lt. Col. Ret. Earl C. Moose Hardy died Sunday February 1, 2015. He outlived his wife of 61 years, Margery Maggie Hunter Hardy, who died in 2011. He is survived by their seven children, their spouses, and 14 grandchildren. Moose was born in Grand Island, NE but was always a Texan. He spent his early years in Corpus Christi where his family called him Sonny. He attended school, played football, and learned to dance when he figured out that was how you met girls. He got the nickname Moose at West Point where he graduated in1945. He was first stationed in Japan during the reconstruction. He met Maggie, a New York City girl, at his next assignment in Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. His first child was born while he served in the Korean conflict. His family followed him to duty stations in Ft. Benning, GA, Syracuse, NY, the Pentagon, Germany, and Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Moose retired from the Army in 1966 and moved to San Antonio where he was a highly-respected pioneer in land development and homebuilding in the 1970s and 1980s. His company "Hardy Homes" built subdivisions in Leon Valley in northwest San Antonio out Bandera Road, including Seneca Estates and French Creek Village. He assumed leadership positions in most organizations he participated in, including the West Point Society of South Texas. After his second retirement, he avidly researched Hardy family genealogy, followed the stock market, and continued as an inveterate news hound. Moose thrived as a soldier and prospered launching homes and neighborhoods, but of all his accomplishments he was proudest of his wife and the family and life he made with her. Moose lived by the West Point motto "Duty, Honor, Country," but always appended "Family" to those ideals. He was also best pal to the many dogs and cats that were part of the Hardy household. For Moose, life was all about the journey. He loved to drive. He crisscrossed most of North America and Europe, including a 4, 000 mile trek down the Alcan Highway from Fairbanks, AK to San Antonio, which he undertook solo. He loved to fly. He spent his graduation money on flying lessons and owned and flew single and twin engine planes. Moose never stopped dancing, always kept learning, never refused someone in need, and always lived life confident in his choices. He was a devoted family man, brilliant thinker, and good-natured straight man for his remarkably inventive friends. Moose was funny, tenacious, handsome, and a good Father, husband, and friend. He was alternately irascible or charming, but always someone to respect and admire. His family and friends will miss him dearly. A 10:00 a.m., Graveside Service will be on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Mission Burial Park North 20900 IH 10 West San Antonio, TX 78257.

Tributes

Lt. Col. Ret. Earl Caldwell Hardy

August 5, 1923 - February 1, 2015