Clarence Edward “Clem” Hardin, 78, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Pascola, Missouri on October 18, 1938 to the late Arthur and Gertrude (Braswell) Hardin, Clem lived most of his life in Southwest Michigan.
Clem learned to be a hard working man at a very young age while working mechanics at his brother William’s auto repair shop. He began working at Whirlpool Corp. in 1962 while still working weekends at Hardin’s Auto. By the late 60’s, he left Whirlpool to work as a Heavy Equipment Operator on the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and reservoir in Ludington, MI followed by many other heavy construction jobs.
Clem was a loving man who married the love of his life, Roberta (Bobbie) Hardin on January 21, 1974 in California. That same year, Clem and Bobbie became the proud owners of Clem & Bobbie’s One Hour Dry Cleaners in Benton Harbor and have spent 43 years side by side growing their business into what it is today. In honor of Clem’s great respect for our police officers and servicemen, Bobbie would like to extend a thank you by dry cleaning all of your uniforms at no charge, as long as the Hardin’s own the business.
In his spare time, Clem enjoyed watching football and spending quality time with his family and friends. He had fond memories of how he and his buddies worked out at the gym from long ago. A man of strong Christian faith, Clem was also a man of honor and integrity with a deep appreciation and love of his country and all who knew him felt welcome by his enthusiastic love of life.
Clem was a passionate and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all. In addition to his wife Bobbie, Clem is also survived by his adoring children Rhonda Harrington, Kent (Juli) Hardin, Jenifer (Marlin) Copeman, Tim Weber, Joy (Jim) Weber-McKendrick and Edie (Dave) Zars, sister De (Jack) Naegele and brothers Jim (Toni) Hardin and Milton (Shelly) Hardin. Grandchildren, Anthony, Chelsie, Rachel, Kent Jr., Tim, Chris, Joe, Jennifer, Tristan, Dorian, Diana, Jacob and Josh and many great grandchildren. In addition, Clem was survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents, Clem was preceded in death by his brothers Edward, Calvin Hardin, Larry Hardin, William Hardin and son-in-law James Harrington.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caretakers at Hospice at Home – Caring Circle (a Lakeland Health Affiliate) for their kindness, caring and support over the recent months.
Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, September 22 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Online condolences and guest book signatures can be sent for the family via www.starks-menchinger.com.