Leonard Hardman Obituary

Leonard R. Hardman

Jul 18, 1929 - Jan 21, 2024

Zanesville

Leonard "Moose" Rolland Hardman, 94, of Zanesville, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, after a brief illness and stay at Oaks of Bethesda.

Leonard was born July 18, 1929, in Zanesville, where he grew up. He married the love of his life, Shirley Marie Novaria, on Dec. 24, 1949. The couple lived and raised their five children, Richard, Beverly, Thomas, Douglas, and Holly in Zanesville, Norwalk, and Salem, Ohio, as well as their beloved foster son, Murray Bondman.

Leonard was a 1948 graduate of Lash (Zanesville) High School and member of the 1946 and 1947 Central Ohio League Football Championship squads, where he earned the nickname "Moose." Leonard was also a member of the local men's fastpitch softball team of that time and shared many stories as a pitcher. In his early years while attending college and raising a family, he worked 12 years at Mosaic Tile Company. After graduating from Ohio University in 1963, he started his life-long career as an educator, sharing his love for mathematics and began his 35-year coaching career. His winning coaching career, earning him several Coach of the Year and Hall of Fame Honors included Maysville, Norwalk, Salem, Zanesville, and Crooksville high schools with his final five seasons spent at Utica High School. He was also remembered by many as their driver's ed teacher. Leonard and Shirley then retired to Apple Valley in Howard, Ohio. Leonard's legacy will long be remembered through his athletes and students.

Leonard was a loyal and loving father, so much so, that the community named him "Father of the Year" in 1960. He was very proud of his family and was an amazing "Pop-Pop" to his 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Leonard loved holidays and family get-togethers. Any chance to spend time with his family was important to him. Leonard was also an accomplished artist, painting for local businesses with his perfect penmanship that carried on to his final days. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember his talent through his famous "Pete the Pirate" sketch. He was a die-hard Michigan football fan. When he wasn't watching sports, you could find him playing euchre with a cold Diet Coke and fresh Conns potato chips. Leonard was a man of faith and was an active and devoted member of Central Christian Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He most recently worshiped at North Terrace Church of Christ in Zanesville.

Leonard is survived by his children, Beverly "Bev" McCarty (Patrick) of Lancaster, PA, Thomas "Tom" Hardman of Zanesville, Douglas "Doug" Hardman (Minta) of Winchester, VA, and Holly McPhillen (Bryan) of Coshocton; and daughter-in-law, Laura Hardman.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Shirley (Novaria); son, Richard "Rick" Hardman; grandson, Marcus Bustillo; and siblings, Virginia, Francis, Victor, and Janet.

Visitation for family and friends will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, until the time of Leonard's celebration of life service at 12 p.m. at North Terrace Church of Christ, 1420 Brandywine Blvd., Zanesville, Ohio, 43701. A fellowship meal will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of "Coach," the family asks that you send or bring a basketball to his celebration of life at North Terrace Church of Christ, which will be distributed to the local youth in memory.

SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME, 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, has the distinct honor of serving the Hardman family.

To send a note of condolence to the family, visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on Facebook, or call our locally owned caring staff at 740-450-8000.