Don Alan Hardin, 77, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel, 610 S. Duncan, Stillwater, Oklahoma. The service will be live-streamed on his obituary page at www.strodefh.com . Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Don was born on May 15, 1948, in Waxahachie, Texas, to John and Bessie Hardin. He spent part of his childhood in South Africa, an experience that remained a meaningful part of his identity throughout his life. He often shared his pride in his roots, once describing himself as a "proud ex-South African."

He graduated from high school in Kansas City and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1974. His military service was a source of deep pride and helped shape the strength, discipline, and determination that defined him.

In 1969, Don met the love of his life, Dian Sue Hardin. They were married on November 22, 1970, and shared a lifelong bond built on love, loyalty, and commitment. Though Dian preceded him in death, their 56 years together remained a testament to their enduring connection in both mind and spirit.

The couple began their life together in Georgia, where they welcomed their first daughter, Tara Jean, on September 1, 1973. They later returned to Stillwater, their hometown, where their second daughter, Tracy Dawn, was born in 1978. It was there that Don and Dian built their family home, where they would spend the rest of their lives. Don took great pride in the yard and the trees he planted and cared for over the years.

Don was an entrepreneur, co-owning Brown and Hardin Appliance, and later dedicated many years as a technician with OG&E until his retirement. Outside of work, he found joy in simple pleasures and steady passions. In his younger years, he enjoyed breeding and racing pigeons and earned a reputation as one of the best in the area. Throughout his life he had a keen interest in trading stocks and following the market. He also took comfort in life's little things-root beer, Cheez-Its, sardines, and avocados-and found special joy in caring for his plants, nurturing them and watching them thrive.

Don was known for his stubborn streak, but it was a reflection of his strength and determination-qualities that helped him stand firm in what mattered most: his home, family and country. He found his greatest happiness in being a father and grandfather. He was a proud "PaPa" to Cailie and Talie Owen, and Cade, Ally, Carter, and Cru Stephenson. He cherished phone calls, visits, and especially hosting sleepovers with his family.

Even though he sugar coated his coffee, tea, and even orange juice, he NEVER sugar coated his thoughts or opinions... you ALWAYS knew exactly what he was thinking. He was loved for everything he stood for and he will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bessie Hardin; his daughter, Tara Jean Owen; his brother, Dale Hardin; and his wife, Dian Hardin.

Don is survived by his daughter, Tracy Stephenson and her husband, Justin of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; his brothers, Kent and his wife Esther of Austin, Texas, Brian and his wife Cheryl of Austin, Texas, Neal and his wife Ange of Austin, Texas, and Gary and his wife Pam of Austin, Texas; his grandchildren, Cailie and Talie Owen, and Cade, Ally, Carter, and Cru Stephenson; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to cousin Kat Metheny for her unwavering dedication, patience, and loving care during Don's final chapter. We also send our sincere gratitude to Nurse Diana Lynn Carper, a true guardian angel in his final moments, for guiding us through that time with compassion and grace.