89R24318 CJM-D
By: Spiller H.R. No. 951
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Harold
James Hardcastle of Vernon, who passed away on April 9, 2025, at the
age of 93; and
WHEREAS, Harold Hardcastle was born to Verna Bailey and Joe
Smith Hardcastle on August 18, 1931, in Wheeler and grew up sharing
in the companionship of four siblings, Jo Ann, Donald, Danny, and
Gary; after marrying Patsy Ruth Noah in 1949, he moved with his wife
to College Station and earned a degree in entomology from Texas A&M
University; he subsequently answered his nation's call to duty,
serving with the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps in Georgia and San
Antonio; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle were blessed with three
children, Melinda, Richard, and Philip; Mr. Hardcastle worked in
sales at Stauffer Agricultural Chemicals in Sherman and then for
the American Dusting Company as an independent aerial spraying
contractor in Lockett; becoming the sole owner, he renamed the
business Hardcastle Ag Air, Inc., and opened a second location in
Oklahoma before selling the company in 1997; he and his son Rick
later owned and operated Rolling H Cattle Company; and
WHEREAS, Engaged in his professional community,
Mr. Hardcastle served as president of both the National and Texas
Agricultural Aviation Associations and held membership in the Texas &
Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; moreover, he was
president of the Rotary Club of Vernon and a member of the Vernon
Independent School District Board of Trustees; a valued congregant
of First Methodist Church, he taught Sunday school and served as
chair of the administrative board, finance committee, and personnel
committee; and
WHEREAS, Following his wife's passing in 1995,
Mr. Hardcastle became reacquainted with a former classmate,
Dr. Peggy Jo Pletcher, whom he wed in 2000; together, they created a
blended family that included Mr. Hardcastle's stepchildren,
George, David, and Robert, and grandchildren, Christie, Amy, Aaron,
Kelley, Morgan, Ria, Daniel, and Cayce, as well as his 10
step-grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to share in this esteemed
man's love and friendship will always remember him with great
admiration and affection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Harold James
Hardcastle and extend heartfelt sympathy to all who mourn his
passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Harold
Hardcastle.