West Hardy

West Hardy was born August 25, 1935 to the late Lucille West and Benjamin Hardy, Jr. in East St. Louis, Illinois. After spending some of his formative years living in New York with his mother and younger sister, June Bunch, he moved back to East St. Louis with his father and step-mother, Letitia Hardy. He graduated from East St. Louis High school and attended St. Louis University before joining the Air Force. He served his country as a jet airplane mechanic during the Vietnam War. West was the most loving and dedicated father to all of his children. During his time overseas, he met and married Dovie Bates. They had two children together, LaRhonda and Howard. After their separation and having moved to St. Louis, Missouri, West met Charlesetta Chandler who had his second son, Reginald Chandler. He later married Rita Hudson, mother of his youngest daughter, Letitia, named after his step-mother. Finally, while traveling as a driver and using Greyhound as a way to transport him from Indianapolis to his next driving assignment, he met Pinkie Manson and her young daughter, Lisa. After they were married, they raised their niece and nephew, Tamika and Joshua Manson, as their own. West had a love for driving and made it his career. It was evident that driving was his true passion. He loved driving so much that he always maintained both a full-time and a part-time job that involved driving. Throughout his career, he was a supervisor for the St. Louis public bus service during the 1970s before moving to Indianapolis in 1983. He also drove charter buses part-time for the Missouri, Kansans and Oklahoma line (MKNO) in St. Louis, Illini Swallow in Indianapolis, and he even transported the NFL referees to and from the Indianapolis Colts games. West knew the highway better than anybody. No matter where one of his family members found themselves lost in this country, all he needed was the highway number and a mile marker to direct them to the right path. West Hardy began working as a driver for the former Indianapolis Metro. He worked his way up in the ranks and was able to retire as a master instructor from what is now known as IndyGo. Throughout his 37 years of working at IndyGo, West was known as a man of wisdom, grace, and care. Many would say that he played a major role in not only their careers, but in their lives as a person as well. In addition to his love of driving, West was an avid bowler and was a member of a bowling league during his free time. After spending any time with him, you would leave knowing that he loved driving, bowling, his family, and really good soul food. Combining some of his favorite things, he loved taking his family to see his sister, June Bunch, and her family in New York City or his aunts in Culpepper, Virginia as often as he could. West Hardy accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and spent his Sundays worshipping at Berean Bible Church. As his health declined, he made sure to drive himself to church as often as he could, but especially on 1st Sundays for communion. It is also no secret that West had a love for people. He never met a stranger and made everyone he spoke to feel like they were the most important person in his life. West had the most kind, loving, gentle, and humble spirit. He never had a negative word or a mean bone in his body. He never lost his temper and always kept his cool, even when he was disappointed or discouraged. West was the BEST grandfather to his grandchildren, whether they knew him as PawPaw, Grandaddy, Grandad, or Peepa, he made them all feel special and seen. West was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, LaRhonda Hardy Toney. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Howard Hardy, Reginald Chandler, Letitia Hardy Hampton (Fredrick), and Josh Manson; his sister, June Bunch, 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and special friends.

West Hardy

August 25, 1935 - May 19, 2025