William David Hardin

William David Hardin, 62, passed away on December 18, 2017 at his mother and stepfather's home lovingly surrounded by family and friends. He fought a brief and courageous battle with bile duct cancer. David was born in Fort Smith, Ark. to P.H. "Hugh" Hardin and Nadine Strang Hardin. He was a graduate of Southside High School in Fort Smith, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and The University of Arkansas Law School in Fayetteville. While in law school, he received the MediCo Legal Prize in 1982 awarded for outstanding work in medical legal studies. After law school, David joined his father's law firm, Hardin, Jesson and Dawson before opening his private law practice. David was a lover of music, passionate about medical research, had a wonderful sense of humor and was a good friend to all. He was a son, brother, father and grandfather. David was so proud of his children and their accomplishments. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. David was preceded in death by his father, P.H. "Hugh" Hardin and sister, Tara Hardin Black. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his mother, Nadine Hardin Miller, and husband, Bob Miller of Fort Smith; companion, Janett Nicholson, of Fort Smith; daughter, Dr. Ashley Hardin, and her husband, Daniel Rachman, and their daughter, Elle, of Dallas, Texas; son, Michael Hardin, of San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Betsy Hardin Rayle, and husband, Bert, of Dallas, Texas; and Dr. Lori Hardin, and husband, Mike Willis, of Dallas, Texas; nephew, Jeremy Hardin Black, of Austin, Texas; nephew, Albert Rayle, and his wife, Megan, of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; niece, Elizabeth Rayle, of New York City; Janett's daughter, Heather Nicholson Sampson, and husband, Rob, and their children, Ashlynn and Ryan; stepbrother, Mike Miller, and wife, Kathy, of Fort Smith; stepsister, Marcia Miller Clement, and husband, Duke, of Fort Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. David is also survived by the mother of his children, Karen Costallos, of Kemah, Texas. The family would like to thank the wonderful people that cared for David; his oncologist, Dr. Tony Flippin; the doctors, nurses, staff and hospice at Mercy Hospital; the wonderful and loving caregivers from Home Instead; and Magda Guzman, a long time devoted friend of the family. A Celebration of David's life will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, Fort Smith. The family will be greeting friends after the service in the Narthex of the church. Cremation and services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. 15th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901 or www.fsfumc.org and the Community Rescue Mission, 310 North F Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901 or www.fscrm.org where David was a member of the Board of Directors and his stepfather, Bob Miller, founded 37 years ago. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.