WILLIAM R. HARDIN JR.

BENTON -- William Robert Hardin Jr., 69, of Benton, died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1995, at his home.

He was born May 17, 1926, in Camden, Tenn., son of William R. and Martha Gertrude Sterling Hardin Sr. He and Elsie Jean Florence were married May 20, 1950, in East Prairie. She died Jan. 3, 1971. He later married Peggy J. Poley Dec. 10, 1975, at Miner.

Hardin was a farmer.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Arthur "Jackie" Hardin of Greenbrier, Ark., Robert and Michael Hardin of Sikeston, Darrell Hardin of Conway, Ark.; three daughters, Deborah Richards of Marthaville, La., LaDonna McWhirter of Sikeston, Barbara Rudisill of Bee Branch, Ark.; two stepsons, Billy McWhirter of Moberly, William McWhirter of East Prairie; five stepdaughters, Nola Whortly of Charleston, Peggy Cantrell and Kathy Rapert of Sikeston, Penny McWhirter of Gordonville, Cynthia Vowell of Connecticut; a brother, Lenard Hardin of Chesterfield; a sister, Nadine Hampton of Sikeston; 30 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, sister, stepdaughter and great-granddaughter.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the chapel, with the Rev. Dan Stoffel officiating. Burial will be in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.