Obituaries

Timothy Lawrence Hardman, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on February 20, 2026, at University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.

Born in Covington, KY, on June 19, 1947, he was the son of the late Harold Hardman and Elizabeth “Betty” [Erion] Hardman. Tim was raised in Fort Wright, KY, and attended Dixie Heights High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Tim served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. Upon returning home, he got his GED, and went to work for the L&N Railroad and later, CSX Transportation for 39 years. As a conductor, Tim worked “in the yard” (in Cincinnati) and “on the road” (throughout KY).

Tim’s passion was classic cars, particularly Fords. The garage he kept was massive and filled with many projects. With gusto, Tim traveled to car and truck shows within the tri-state region and beyond. One of his favorites was the F-100 Grand National and Supernational shows in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, TN. While at each show, Tim was a prolific photographer. Back at home, he was always keen to have someone’s ear to share his near-encyclopedic knowledge of whatever vehicle was pictured.

Tim was the beloved husband of Kathy [Sebastian] Hardman; dear dad to Tammie (John) Ernest, Angela Hardman and Billy (Richelle) White; treasured brother to Mike (Laraine) Hardman, Chris (Joan) Hardman, Pat (Bill) Davis, and Barb O’Toole; as well as adored grandpa of Stephen, Tessa, Lexi, Haily, Lane, Jackson, Sebastian and great-grandpa of Piper, Scarlett and Dylan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Tim will also be deeply missed by his fellow sailors in the US Navy as well as his brothers on the railroad. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Billy Hardman and Harold “Buddy” Hardman, Jr.; and sisters Bernadine Vickers, Becky Kleier, and Kathy Walls.

A private family gathering will be held to honor Tim's life and his military service. Tim will be laid to rest at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North, 205 Eibeck Ln, Williamstown, KY 41097.