John Paul Hardcastle

John Hardcastle

February 20, 1940 - September 21, 2017

John Paul Hardcastle, 77, departed this world for heaven Thursday September 21st 2017 at his residence in Lake Wales, Florida. John was born February 20th, 1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Rev. J.D. Hardcastle and Florence Thomas Hardcastle. He was raised in North Little Rock and graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1957.

After high school, he worked at the State Agricultural Extension Service in Little Rock. Between 1961—1963, he attended college at the University of Central Arkansas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Major in General Business. He was also a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard for 8 years. John enlisted in Company A of the 125th Medical Battalion and later served in the Administration Company of the 39th Infantry Division.

Following college graduation, he went to work for the United States Labor Department. His career shifted to Safeco Insurance Company, then John worked 28 years for The Hartford, in Little Rock, AR and Houston TX, retiring as Regional Claim Manager in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Music was always an important part of his personal and family life. He began singing and playing piano and organ in his parents' church as a teenager, continuing until 1977. He and his brothers sang and played together in southern gospel style quartets in his late teens and twenties. They traveled and performed before live audiences in churches and auditoriums. While in Indianapolis, John played the organ, piano, and keyboard in the praise band at Lighthouse Tabernacle Church. He and his wife directed the choir for many special occasions.

Retirement life began in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas where John played golf and enjoyed many family gatherings. He also expanded his interest in genealogy research of the Hardcastle name. Along with son Jeffrey, "The Hardcastle Family in America" website was developed and launched. In 2014, he and his wife moved to Lake Ashton in Lake Wales, Florida.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Hardcastle; children Jeffrey Paul Hardcastle (Julie) of League City, Texas, Janna Kay Craig (Robert) of Sherwood, Arkansas, and John Mark Hardcastle (Karen) of Fort Worth, Texas; brothers Oscar Russell (Reba) and Donald Russell (Faye) of Sherwood, Arkansas; and seven grandchildren Raven, Brittany, Ashley, Ryan, Natalie, Laura and Carmen.

A celebration of John's life will be held at the church his parents founded, the Full Gospel Temple, 3905 AR—161, North Little Rock 72117. Service will be Saturday, September 30, to begin at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Full Gospel Temple for the food bank and outreach programs.

A future celebration will also be held in Lake Ashton to remember John (to be announced).