TITLE: In memory of Harold James Hardcastle of Vernon.

SUMMARY: In memory of Harold James Hardcastle of Vernon.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Harold James Hardcastle of Vernon, who passed away on April 9, 2025, at the age of 93; and WHEREAS, Harold Hardcastle was born to Verna Bailey and Joe Smith Hardcastle on August 18, 1931, in Wheeler and grew up sharing in the companionship of four siblings, Jo Ann, Donald, Danny, and Gary; after marrying Patsy Ruth Noah in 1949, he moved with his wife to College Station and earned a degree in entomology from Texas A&M University; he subsequently answered his nation's call to duty, serving with the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps in Georgia and San Antonio; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle were blessed with three children, Melinda, Richard, and Philip; Mr. Hardcastle worked in sales at Stauffer Agricultural Chemicals in Sherman and then for the American Dusting Company as an independent aerial spraying contractor in Lockett; becoming the sole owner, he renamed the business Hardcastle Ag Air, Inc., and opened a second location in Oklahoma before selling the company in 1997; he and his son Rick later owned and operated Rolling HCattle Company; and WHEREAS, Engaged in his professional community, Mr. Hardcastle served as president of both the National and Texas Agricultural Aviation Associations and held membership in the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; moreover, he was president of the Rotary Club of Vernon and a member of the Vernon Independent School District Board of Trustees; a valued congregant of First Methodist Church, he taught Sunday school and served as chair of the administrative board, finance committee, and personnel committee; and WHEREAS, Following his wife's passing in 1995, Mr. Hardcastle became reacquainted with a former classmate, Dr. Peggy Jo Pletcher, whom he wed in 2000; together, they created a blended family that included Mr. Hardcastle's stepchildren, George, David, and Robert, and grandchildren, Christie, Amy, Aaron, Kelley, Morgan, Ria, Daniel, and Cayce, as well as his 10 step-grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to share in this esteemed man's love and friendship will always remember him with great admiration and affection; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Harold James Hardcastle and extend heartfelt sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Harold Hardcastle. Spiller Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 951 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 23, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House