Upon retiring Saturday evening after serving 36 years as Haynes Mortuary funeral director, Talmadge Hardy just couldn't help but go out with an undertaker's joke.
"I'm most appreciative to all of you for having my funeral before I die," the 94-year-old mortician said as he set off roaring laughter among the well wishers attending his retirement celebration at Macedonia Baptist Church.
Far from being a somber occasion, many of Hardy's friends spent the evening rejoicing as they shared memories of his long and illustrious career with one of the area's most enduring funeral homes.
"Mr. Hardy always looked sharp, wearing crisp shirts and crisp ties," said Ken Walker one of his co-workers.
"That was a look that he impressed upon the rest of us, because he was a serious professional in all he did and he loved the business and he still does."
Tina Wooten, with Citizens Funeral Home in Clarksville, Texas, thanked Hardy for his positive influence on her life.
"May God bless you for being such a powerful blessing to others," she said.
James Keaton, a longtime Liberty-Eylau Independent School District board member, told Hardy that by way of tracing some family background, just recently discovered that he and Hardy were distant cousins.
"So Cous, how are you doing?" Keaton asked Hardy.
Born Feb. 7, 1925, Hardy graduated from Dunbar High School in 1942, at which time he went on to attend Prairie View University for one year before being drafted into the U.S. Navy where he served for about 18 months during World War II.
Once discharged, Hardy relocated to San Francisco College where he graduated in 1950 after studying mortuary science.
Pauline Haynes one of the mortuary founders, said that Hardy would never allow her to criticize herself too much.
"I would say 'Lord, I'm sorry I made a such a bad mistake' and Hardy would say 'Lord, no she didn't.'"