Don Hardin, a native of Morehead, Kentucky, and longtime baseball and gymnastics coach, passed away on July 27, 2025.
While the cause and details regarding his death are not yet available, the whole Morehead community is recalling the memories of late Don Hardin and paying tribute to him.
Don Hardin touched the lives of many with his amazing coaching skills. He led his gymnastics teams to several victories.
The late Don Hardin was inspired to start gymnastics after noticing that most sports opportunities were geared toward boys. Wanting to give back to the young girls at the elementary school where he worked, he introduced gymnastics—and it wasn’t long before he went on to establish his own gym.
Don Hardin was the owner of Gym Dandys Gymnastics, and just a day prior to his death, the team celebrated an outstanding week at the Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas, proudly representing Morehead, KY, on the national stage. Out of six national team members, the gym brought home several top honors.
In addition to being an exceptional gymnastic coach, Don Hardin also touched the lives of many as an elementary football and baseball coach and teacher.
Furthermore, his demise has left a profound void in the lives of his family and the whole community.
One wrote:
“I have just found out about Coach Don Hardin……As Of Right Now…My Heart Is Broken For His Family….And All Of Us that had the honor and the privilege of having him in our lives…..In my life, I have met a lot of people….but “Coach” Hardin…was “UNIQUE”…..a very good man…..And believe it or not….my heart is broken…..Not so much as in “the flesh…but in my soul”…..So jus to be….succinct….He was a good man….decent….upstanding……I’ll AWAYS HOLD COACH HARDING IN THE HIGHEST REGARD….AND MY AFFINITY IS EVERLASTING……E’NUFF SAID…..”
Sebastian Gaskins
Another added:
“My heart breaks to hear the passing of Don Hardin.Don wasn’t just a coach, boss, or friend, he was family. I started gymnastics when I was 2, competed until I was 13, and worked there until I was 18. No matter what stage of life I was in, he was there to help me live my dream. I honestly would not be where I am today without everything he has done for me.”
Kaylee Staviski
Don Hardin is Survived By His Longtime Wife, Patricia ‘Patty,’ Two Daughters, Teresa and Pamela, and the Whole Family
Don Hardin was not only an exceptional athlete and coach, but also a devoted husband to his longtime wife, Patty, and a proud father to his two daughters, Teresa Hardin Roberts and Pamela Marie McKinney.
His wife, Patricia ‘Patty,’ who is also the gymnastic coach and co-owner of Gym Dandys Gymnastics served as the educator for decades.
Furthermore, his daughter, Pamela Marie McKinney, serves as the manager and gymnastics coach at Gym Dandys Gymnastics.
While Patty and Pamela haven’t shared much about Don Hardin’s passing as they are currently grieving the loss, Don’s other daughter, Teresa Hardin Roberts, shared several pictures of him and paid tribute to her late father.
Teresa Hardin Robert, like her sister, is excelling in her career. Her Facebook displays that she worked as an Oncology Research Nurse at the University of Louisville Brown Cancer Center and Clinical Manager of CRO at the University of Kentucky.
She also works as a manager at the Clinical Operations Cancer Trials Program. Teresa earned her MBA from the University of Louisville Business School and her nursing degree from the University of Kentucky.
In addition to his two daughters, Teresa and Pamela, and his longtime wife, Patty, Don Hardin leaves behind his sons-in-law, grandchildren, and the whole family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The late Don Hardin and his longtime wife, Patty Hardin, lost their home in a fire back in 2024.
- The Morehead community made several donations to help the family after the devastating fire.
