He attended school at Osceola and at the Pleasant Hill Country School. He was saved and later baptized at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs.
In 1941 he joined the Army and was stationed in England and Germany during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1947.
He married Margaret “Moore” Brattin on April 12, 1948, who was the love of his life. To this union twin sons were born Donnie and Ronnie. He also helped raise two step-sons, Sonny and Bob Brattin.
During his life, Jack was a farmer, iron worker, coon hunter, fisherman and a wonderful story teller. He loved music and dancing. He was also a square dance “caller.” He enjoyed many social activities including serving as president of the Osceola Saddle Club, being a VFW member and a member of the National Farmer’s Organization.
Jack was well known for his fishing. Throughout his life there were many news articles written about him. He even had his picture on a postcard promoting Osceola. At one time he was a fishing guide for Bass Pro Shops.
His grandchildren have many fond memories of Jack. He always took the time to take them swimming, fishing, horseback riding and coon hunting.
Jack spent the last year of his life living with his granddaughter, Karen, in El Dorado Springs. In June he went to stay at the Truman Lake Manor Nursing Home in Lowry City where he passed away on July 21, 2009.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Hardy; infant son, Ronnie; step-sons, Sonny, and wife, Darlene, and Bob Brattin.
He is survived by a son, Donnie Hardy – Osceola; grandchildren – Shelly Rains, and husband, Shannon – Quincy, Nikki Bray, and husband, Rick – Osceola, Karen Reed, and husband, Robert – El Dorado Springs, Brenda Rainwater, and husband, Bob – Harrisonville, Chelsea Huntington – Oklahoma, Ronnie Brattin – California, Debra Feith – Kansas City, Kenneth Brattin, and wife, Cathy – Kansas City, and Darrell Brattin – Kansas City; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews.
No matter where Jack went, he never met a stranger. He had a smile and a story for everyone. Though he will be sadly missed, he left us with many wonderful memories.
Services were held Friday, July 24, in Sheldon Goodrich Chapel, Osceola, with Greg Mangum officiating. Music was Riverbank, This Old House requested by Jack and I’ll Leave This World Loving You requested by Jack.
Casketbearers were – Robert Reed, Shannon Rains, Rick Bray, J.B. Houston, Brett Rains and Ryan Bray.
Military services were by the National Guard MIKE Team.
Interment was in the Osceola Cemetery under the direction of the Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola.
