Thomas Edwin Hard

Thomas Edwin Hard was born Oct. 14, 1954 in West Plains, Missouri to Albert and Bernice Hard. He left this world peacefully surrounded by his family on July 4, 2022.

Tom married Rita on Jul 3, 1987. They built their lives around their family and business. As owners & operators of Carl’s Transmissions they grew it into a successful business for 34 years. Tom was known as an honest business man always willing to go the extra mile for a customer. But what mattered most to him was his family, they were his pride and joy.

In addition to his daughter Heather from a previous marriage Tom loved his step-children Carmen and Duel as his own and became a central figure in their lives.

He loved watching the Astros with Rita, playing golf with his son-in-law Richard and restoring a ’56 Chevy with Duel. But nothing meant more to him than being Pappaw to his three grandsons and watching them grow into responsible young men. He loved them with all his heart and they him.

His favorite thing of all was watching his three great grandkids do anything, but especially, cuddling with them in his recliner.

He will be remembered for his generosity, laughter, jokes, and hugs.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sara and Lana. He is survived by his wife Rita, daughter Heather LaCivita (Jeff), son Duel Johnson (Maria), daughter Carmen Lawrence (Richard), grandsons Haven Snyder, Gavin Lawrence (Katy) and Mitchell Lawrence (Kaitlin) and great grandkids Kinsley, Reed, and Lane Lawrence.

A private memorial service will be held at Sterling-White Funeral Home.