Bryant Joseph Hardy was born on November 11, 1946 in Ely, White Pine, Nevada to Warren G. and Camilla (Domgaard) Hardy. His father’s employment took them to Salt Lake City, then to various cities in Southern California. They eventually ended up in El Cajon, San Diego County, when he was about 7.

After a year at San Diego State University, Bryant joined the Marine Corps for a 3-year-tour. When he was young Bryant’s mother had taken him to the neighborhood fire station in New York City. That visit inspired Bryant to become a firefighter. He even worked as a volunteer firefighter in high school. After working in construction for a few years, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a firefighter on the Santee Fire Department in California. Serving as a firefighter in Santee and helping people was a highlight of his life. In his 10 years on the department, he advanced to the rank of Engineer with an Associate Degree in Fire Science. Then he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

He called El Cajon home until he was about 33. When it became time for a life change, he decided to go to work in the petroleum industry and subsequently got accepted by Colorado School of Mines Chemical Engineering Department in Golden, Colorado. It was in Golden, Colorado, where he met and fell in love with Stephanie Lain Laabs and her wonderful young son Billy. Bryant and Stephanie were married for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple in Utah. After graduating with a Master’s degree, they moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma, and raised a great family. Initially, he went to work for Conoco in the Petroleum Products Research and Development Division and later retired from ConocoPhillips. He spent 30 years developing lubricating oils and greases, some of which were for the mining and power generation industries. He held the patent for the grease essential for the Space Shuttle booster rockets.

Bryant was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and served faithfully. He served in many different leadership positions and was called as a Ponca City Ward bishop in 1991. He served for six years. Bryant later served as Branch President in Blackwell for three years. He was again called as bishop of the Ponca City Ward two years ago, where he served until his death.

Bryant also served in various positions in Boy Scouts, first with the Will Rogers Council and later with the Cimarron Council for almost 20 years. He received the Silver Beaver Award and completed Wood Badge. One of his loves was working on improvements at Will Rogers Scout Reservation.

He was proceeded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Stephanie Lain Hardy and children William Lyle Hardy (Emily), Nicole Chandra Buckley (Colin), Graden Bryant Hardy (Andrea), and Garrett Burt Hardy (Brittany); 10 grandchildren: Madeline, Colter, Bryant, Joseph, Emma, Matthew, Evelynn, Marie, Thomas, and Hyrum; two surviving brothers Robert Don Hardy and William George Hardy; and numerous nieces and nephews. He has four lifelong friends: Gary & Vivian Forseth, and Charles & Vicki Streeter. In lieu of donations, help someone put a new roof on their house.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Trout Funeral Home of Ponca City. A second viewing will be on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2408 E Hartford Ave, Ponca City, OK 74604, preceding his funeral at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Longwood Cemetery, Ponca City. Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 9:45 AM.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

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