Father Ernest “Ernie” Leo Hardesty

Father Ernest “Ernie” Leo Hardesty entered eternal life on Sunday, July 10, 2022 in Little Rock. He was born Oct. 21, 1948 in Blytheville to the late Alma Frances (Etienne) and Kenneth Leo Hardesty. Father Hardesty was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Andrew J. McDonald on May 17, 1975 in Blytheville. Father Hardesty’s greatest pleasure was being able to serve the Lord Jesus and His Church. He always expressed his pride at having never missed celebrating the Holy Mass during his 47 years as a priest.

After ordination, Father Hardesty began serving youth and young adults through high school and campus ministry. His first assignments were as assistant chaplain at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, associate pastor of Christ the King of Little Rock (1975-1979), associate pastor/assistant pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Pine Bluff (1979-1981) and chaplain at Cummin’s and Tucker Prison (1979-1981). He served as pastor of Saint Agnes in Mena, Saint Jude Thaddeus in Waldron, All Saints in Mount Ida (1981-1988), and Blessed Sacrament in Jonesboro (1988-1994). In 1993, Father Hardesty began campus ministry which would be an important focus in his life. In addition to being pastor of Saint Anthony in Weiner and Saint Norbert in Marked Tree (1994-1996), he was assigned as Campus Minister for the Catholic Newman Center at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro (1994-1996). He served as the campus minister at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and the first pastor of Saint Leo the Great University Parish at Arkansas Tech (1996-2022). During this time, in addition to being pastor of the campus ministry and St. Leo University Parish, Father Hardesty served as pastor of St. John in Russellville (1996-2005), Saint Augustine in Dardanelle (1996-1998 and 2006-2007), and the Church of the Assumption in Atkins (2007-2022). In addition to parochial ministry, Father Hardesty served twice as a Vicar Forane (Dean) of the West Central Deanery, on the Clergy Welfare Board, and on the Presbyteral Council.

Father Hardesty’s passion was working with and helping the youth. He was very instrumental in the building of both the Catholic Newman Center at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and Saint Leo the Great University Parish at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. The latter being one of his greatest desires to see come to fruition even as he had to overcome several hurdles in order to make it happen. He was beyond blessed and pleased with the outcome of the new building and the life that it brought to his campus ministry. Apart from his official assignments, Father Hardesty worked behind the scenes at priest retreats to ensure that the snacks, drinks, and other supplies were properly stocked. In an unassuming cheerful way, Father Hardesty made a difference in the lives of his family, parishioners and brother priests.

He is survived by his sister, Kathryn (Don) Davis of Blytheville; nieces, Donna (Charles) Fincher of Jonesboro, Shelia (Scott) Edwards, Sherri (David) Larkin, Renita (Gary) Sprouse, all of Blytheville; nephews, Mike (Teresa) Davis of Cabot, Chris (Tina) Davis of Conway; 22 great nieces and nephews; and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Rosary Service and words of comfort will begin 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, the visitation will be 5:30–7 p.m., with a meal after, all at Saint Leo the Great University Parish (509 W L St., Russellville 72801). Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at Immaculate Conception Church (1301 W. Main St., Blytheville 72315). Father Hardesty will be buried at Elmwood Cemetery (900 North 16th Street, Blytheville) following the Mass. The family invites all attendees to a meal after the burial in the Immaculate Conception Church Hall.

Donations in Father Hardesty’s honor may be made to Saint Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville, Saint John Newman University Parish in Jonesboro, or to any of the parishes which were served by Father Hardesty.