Lee Hardesty should be inducted into the National Hall of Fame because he has excelled in all aspects in the collection and exhibition of antique farm tractors and other equipment. He is a real leader in Branch 13 always making sure that the good reputation of the Club is always upheld.
We are honoring Lee Hardesty for his hard work and endless effort in all aspects. He always has time to help anyone that needs a hand or needs a word of encouragement.
Lee Hardesty was born in 1941, in San Fernando, CA to Jack and Lorraine Hardesty. Due to his parents being transferred around, Lee attended various schools in the San Fernando area. Lee attended high school in Bishop, CA and then attended Cal Poly, Orange Coast Community College and then the University of Nevada in Reno and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Agra-Business.
Lee married Charla in 1965 and they have two sons, Jack and Jeffery. They moved to Sacramento CA in 1972 to become a State Farm Insurance Agent. He retired from State Farm in 2007 after 35 years.
Lee always had an interest in antique engines and tractors and his interest peaked when he attended the EDGE-TA Nationals in Grass Valley in 1993. He was impressed with all the beautiful machinery but mainly he saw how happy and proud everyone seemed to be showing off their machines. He bought a 1941 John Deere Model LA which needed a lot of work but he had fun rebuilding it. Lee now has 9 John Deere tractors of different models and years, different implements including a manure spreader, 3 lawn tractors, 4 pedal tractors and hundreds of John Deere memorabilia. The manure spreader has been converted to a people mover and is called the “politician wagon.”
Lee Hardesty joined EDGE-TA Branch 13 in 1994 and from that time forward he has participated in most shows in the area. He was asked to run for the board and was thrilled that he was asked. He ran was elected and after 5 years on the board he ran for the office of President and was elected. He served as president for a couple of years and stepped down from that and took on the job of Bulletin Editor. Lee has been the Bulletin Editor now for 5 years and does a very good job. He has written some articles in our newsletter (The Chugger) that were republished in other antique tractor magazines. Lee also started and maintains our web site (www.branch13edgeta.com). Lee has information on the web site not only from Branch 13 but other branches in the area.
Lee Hardesty has been a member of the Lions Club for 35 years and a Life Member for 10 years.
EDGE-TA is honored to have Lee as a very active member. Lee Hardesty is a true gentleman in every sense and deserves to be elected into the Hall of Fame.
Submitted by – Leroy Diede, Branch 13