Kenneth J. Hardesty, 65, of Middlebury, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021, at his home from injuries from a house fire.

Kenneth was born on August 22, 1955, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Walter "Bud" Hardesty and Betty (Syndrom) Hardesty. In addition to his parents, two brothers, Gil and Tim Hardesty and his sisters Tina Shirley and Kathy West preceded him in death.

Kenneth is survived by a son Ben Hardesty, two daughters, Tiana Frick and Kia (Dustin) Saylor; also surviving are his 7 grandchildren Cris, Adam, Branyon and Galen Schrock and Nova, Teegan and Kuecken Wymer; as well as brothers, Walter (Tammy) Hardesty, Wayne (Todd) Hardesty, Keith Hardesty, Rick (Tresia) Hardesty, sister Penny Hardesty and former wife Mitzy Hardesty.

Kenneth was retired railroader, he worked as a repairman for Norfolk & Southern and Conrail. Ken was an avid Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Orioles fan, with Cal Ripken Jr. his favorite player.  In his younger days he enjoyed bowling, playing baseball and football. Kenneth loved his kids and grandkids.

Kia mentioned when they were growing up in Gary Indiana, he supplied many kids in the surrounding neighborhood trailer park with bats, balls, gloves and taught them about playing baseball and keeping out of trouble. His house was a safe heaven, where many children felt safe and welcomed.

A celebration of life memorial service for Kenneth J. Hardesty will be held on (tentatively August 28, 2021) (check back for exact time and date) at the Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St. Ft. Wayne, IN 46805. Memorials may also be given to the Salvation Army in his honor.

Arrangements for Kenneth are under the care of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, IN 46514, where condolences may be made online to the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com