K. Dan Hardin, 92, of Amarillo, Texas passed away on April 16, 2023.
Services will be at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the Central Church of Christ Chapel. Burial will be at Eller Flat Cemetery in Canadian, Texas. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Dan was born in Sayre, Oklahoma on October 3, 1930, to Alma Jewel Carmichael and Evrett Tirey Hardin. He married Victoria Nell in Cordell, Oklahoma on December 25, 1951.
Dan attended college at the University of Oklahoma where he was first in his graduating class with a degree in electrical engineering. He began working at Sandia National Laboratory in June of 1953. Dan worked on nuclear weapon design and had many patents for firing systems. He went on to receive his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico.
Dan retired from Sandia National Laboratory in April of 1991.
Dan thoroughly enjoyed gardening, restoring and repairing old radios, going to the Symphony, being a President of the Optimist Club, and supporting the Special Olympics.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Victoria Nell Hardin; daughter, Holly Susan Bradshaw; grandson, Danny Hardin; brother, Joe Tirey Hardin; and sister, T. Ann Hardin.
He is survived by his children, Kirk Hardin and wife Dr. Paula Jean, and Joe Hardin and wife Zeborah; grandchildren, Lindsay Ferrell and husband Jimmy, Ty Hardin and wife Miriam, Sarah Hardin, Hannah Hardin, Suzanne Bradshaw, Victoria Bradshaw, Zanda Byrd and husband Jason, Z’Ann Allison and husband Mesa, and Zoe Hardin; brother, Bryan David Hardin; great-grandchildren, Nick, Madison, and Logan Ferrell, Grant and Isaac Hardin, Eddie and Travis Bradshaw, and Zaylee and Tex Byrd with one on-the-way; and one great-great-grandson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations are made in Dan’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Albuquerque Children’s Home, or the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, Texas.
Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com.
Dan hired me at Sandia straight out of college; therefore, he was the first ‘boss’ of my professional career. Probably couldn’t ask for a better one. He was the consummate technical manager who was instrumental in Sandia helping to provide the Navy’s nuclear deterrent. I will remember him fondly. Condolences to his family and may he find joy in reuniting with his Victoria.
Dan the Man was a wonderful person. He was always greeted me with a smile and was very encouraging. He was willing to share his wisdom when I needed guidance. I’m thankful to have know him! May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
❤️ Verslia Newkirk
Life Enrichment Coordinator
I’m so sorry to hear of this deep loss. He was a very decent guy with a good sense of humor. Sending prayers and condolences to the family. Love to Kirk and Joe whom I remember well and our idyllic childhood on Rogers street. ❤️
The New Mexico/West Texas Optimist District sends their sincere condolences to you all. He will be missed by many. Dan had many friends in our Optimist District. He was also recipient of one of our highest awards (The Curley Roose Award) in 1999. He was a great friend and Optimist.
In Dan’s memory from his many Optimist friends in The Optimist Club of Albuquerque, New Mexico and the New Mexico-West Texas District .