Anthony David Austin

     In heaven, Tony is a son of the most high God. On earth Tony was the son of the most high God and a Marine. At the age of 17, Tony chose joining the Marine Corps over going to jail, a decision he never regretted. After shooting third in the West Coast Marine Corps qualifying rifle try outs, Tony became a combat ready coach at Camp Pendleton, CA. Tony excelled in all forms of combat readiness - especially being a rifle coach. Tony was gifted in writing stories and creating with his friends. In his last years, he was known for his artistry with wood. He could look at and feel the wood and know instinctively how to use the wood to let it shine! He would carve some or put it with other pieces of wood, leather or stone to make an object of beauty - tables, chests, stools, wall hangings or unique walking sticks.

     For the last 7 years, Tony and Nacy lived in a community at De Anza RV Resort located in Amado, AZ. Tony enjoyed riding his bike around the park complex. Daily he would stop, say hi to its residents and tell stories of his many life experiences. Tony loved to tell stories and laugh. the DeAnza residents became an extended family of sorts - a village! Last years, Tony had to "shoot" his bike when he took a nosedive in the gravel after he passed out due to low blood pressure. A wonderful De Anza resident donated a golf cart to Tony replacing hi bike. Soon he was making his daily rounds checking on residents, greeting new residents and giving instructions on tool usage in the park workshop! Anthony (Tony) David Austin AKA Tony Hardman, 85, Amado, AZ passed into glory September 7, 2026 after a short bout with anaplastic thyroid cancer.

     Tony is survived by Nancy his wife of 42 years, daughter Katie, sons Thad, Aaron & Joel, daughter Amye, brother Peter, 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

     An inspired writing by Tony Hardman:

     The Past / The Future

     O Lord my God

     May I never forget

     The condition of my life

     Before I chose Jesus as my

     Savior and King

     Where once there abided

     Darkness, Death and Hopelessness,

     Now lives the sure promise of a

     Forgiven, love gifted new life

     Through Christ my King

          All Praise!

          All Glory!

          All Honor

     -To you O Lord-

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