Theodore (Ted) R. Hardin, age 79, transitioned this life on November 5, 2016 at Southbrook Care Center. He was born in Como, Mississippi on February 20, 1937 to William and Evalena (Callicut) Hardin, Sr. After graduating High School he followed his siblings to Youngstown, Ohio. Shortly after he married Mary Edna (Lewis) Hardin and made Springfield, Ohio his home. He worked several jobs including many years at CE Bauer Brothers and Wilson Freight. Ted loved sports, especially, basketball. He spent several years as the basketball coach for a men's intramural team. He also spent many years as a professional wrestler known as the Mississippi Rebel and Rufus Brown. Ted was also involved in martial arts and received his 1st degree black belt and enjoyed riding motorcycles. Additionally, Ted held positions at his local Lodge as Past Chancellor Commander, Past Grand Lodge Officer of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and a Sergeant in the Knights of Pythias Military Police for more than 20 years and held many other positions. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, William (Evalena) Hardin, Sr.; three beloved brothers, Ethel Hardin (Sardis, MS), Bennie Hardin and William Hardin, Jr., and one loving sister, Joada (Hardin) Clay, all of Youngstown, OH; also his friend and ex-wife, Mary Edna (Hardin) Hutchins. His is survived by his two daughters, M. Joyce (Paul) Chilton and Annette Hardin both of Springfield, OH; one brother, Ralph (Sara) Hardin (Youngstown, OH); five sisters, Martha Eldridge and Jessie Dandridge both of Youngstown, OH, Christine Jackson (Topeka, KS), Mattie B. Whiting (Chicago, IL) and Eddie Mae Reed of Springfield, OH, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves behind a close friend who has been like a brother, Kevin Morris (Xenia, OH).

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