Charles Martin Hardy

Charles Martin Hardy, 79, of Lafayette passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. Services will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Delhomme Funeral Home (1011 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette) and will begin with a Holy Rosary. The Memorial Mass will take place at 1:30 PM at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette with Father Andrew Schumacher as celebrant and Father James Brady as concelebrant. Born January 30, 1946, Charlie was the firstborn son of the late Samuel Hardy and Alice Mistrot Hardy of Arnaudville, Louisiana. His strong Catholic faith and unwavering positive attitude helped to sustain him for over nine years following a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, laughter, joy, and endless loyalty to those he cared for – a life marked not only by what he accomplished, but by the countless lives he touched along the way. Charlie graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and moved to New Orleans where he began his career with Shell Oil. His time in the oil and gas industry revealed his natural-born talents as a salesman and manager. He was passionate about connecting people, particularly in the business community, and took great pride when he could assist someone in securing their next position, advise on the next deal, or support his employees. After meeting his soulmate, Kathy, in New Orleans and getting married in 1979, they relocated to Houma, Louisiana, where they would raise their children, Justin and Ashley. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they relocated to Lafayette, and in 2012, he proudly retired from Superior Energy after negotiating the sale of the lift boat division to SEACOR Marine. He treasured his circle of close-knit Phi Kappa Theta (PKT) fraternity brothers and enjoyed getting together with them regularly. His commitment to his fraternity stretched beyond just the friendships. In 1975, he helped to sustain the chapter’s presence on campus by organizing the alumni purchase of the fraternity house, and in 2006, he worked closely with the active chapter to assist them in overcoming financial challenges. He helped to strengthen the alumni group and always looked forward to their annual Christmas luncheon in the French Quarter. He cherished that his son Justin shared in the PKT brotherhood, as well. Charles had many nicknames to those who loved him – Charlie, Charlie-boy!, Hawk, and his most favorite, Hoss, as his two beloved grandchildren called him. A renowned story teller and master of a good Cajun joke, he brought light into every room and made everyone feel at ease with his light-heartedness and genuine smile. He loved spending time outdoors and on the water, cruising in his red 1972 Cutlass convertible, planning the next vacation destination, and visiting with family and friends, especially those in need. He was a founding member and former President of the Nonco Foundation, which is working to canonize Charlie’s great uncle Auguste "Nonco" Pelafigue as a Saint in the Catholic church. His greatest accomplishment later in life was becoming a grandfather to John Carr and Katherine. Always involved and planning for the next opportunity to spend time together, he rejoiced in watching them grow up; whether it was cheering them on at a ball game or a dance recital, going for a ride in the convertible or planning the annual Camp KittyHoss – he was always present and adored by his grandkids. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Bassett Hardy, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage; son Justin Hardy, daughter Ashley Hardy Carothers and her husband Carr Carothers; grandson John Carr Carothers II, granddaughter Katherine Carothers; siblings Patricia Fugler (the late John), Sam Hardy (Sis), Bob Hardy (Melissa), brother-in-law Jeff Bassett (Cecette), sister-in-law Liz Bassett Parker (Tony) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and Godchildren who were cherished and loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law John Fugler and David Bassett, and nephew Doug Fugler. Honorary pallbearers will be: Sam Hardy, Bob Hardy, Lynn Alexander, Conrad Armbruster, Richard Fontenot, Wayne Johnson, Rick Kessenich, Larry Lemarié, Steve Parra, Wes Randall, Tye Schexnailder, Charlie Taylor, and the late John Erny and Mike Maraist. The rosary will be led by Kathy’s Morning Glory Theresian Community. The family would like to extend our special thanks to MD Anderson Cancer Center, especially Dr. Jeff Myers, to our special caregiver Marcelite Roy, and to family and friends who have supported us throughout Charlie’s cancer battle. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Miles Perret Cancer Services of Lafayette, or Hospice of Acadiana. Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Charles Martin Hardy at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com Charles Martin Hardy and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA. Copyright Delhomme Funeral Homes, Inc. August 2025.

Charles Martin Hardy

January 30, 1946 - September 6, 2025