Franklin Delano Hardcastle

Franklin Delano Hardcastle, of Russellville, Arkansas was born on July 6, 1936, in Hanford, Kings County, California. He was the youngest child of twelve born to Emory Lafayette and Martha Jane (Hendricks) Hardcastle. He departed this life, Tuesday, January 24, 2018 in Russellville, Arkansas at the age of 81 years. A musician and music teacher by trade, he spent many years touring the nations and Alaska with various musical groups. He was in Vietnam and Thailand with the USO in 1971. He played the pedal steel guitar with Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Freddie Hart and many other well-known country music artists. Frank also recorded and produced his own light jazz instrumental album on steel guitar, entitled "Daddy Frank Steels Your Heart." He was a member of the Elks Lodge. In 1978 Frank left California and eventually settled in Rogers, Arkansas. He is survived by his three children, son, Dr. Franklin D. Hardcastle of Russellville, Arkansas; daughter, Angela Cecere of Glendale, Arizona; daughter, Christina Friedrich of Laveen, Arizona; five grandsons, two granddaughters, other relatives and loved ones. Frank was united in marriage to Lucille (Garner) Hardcastle, who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Emory and Martha Hardcastle, six brothers and five sisters. Graveside service and interment will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Berryville Memorial Park Cemetery with (title & name) officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service and online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2017.