Philip Wade Hardman, 69, of Osborne, Kansas, passed away on December 25, 2025.
He was born on August 21, 1956, the third son of Dr. Dennis Hardman and Lila Hardman. He grew up in Smith Center, Kansas, where he attended Smith Center Public Schools and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1974.
After high school, Philip joined his two older brothers at the University of Kansas. There, he became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. A devoted Jayhawk, he graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He continued his education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, earning his law degree in 1981.
While in law school, Philip met Debra Whitehair in 1980. The two were married on August 8, 1981, in Danforth Chapel on the University of Kansas campus, beginning a marriage that would span more than four decades.
In September 1981, Philip accepted an offer to join the law practice of Dallas Cordill in Osborne, Kansas. That move brought the couple to the community that would become their lifelong home. In January 1985, he formed a partnership with Richard Dietz, establishing Dietz & Hardman, a professional relationship that remained a great source of pride throughout his career. The firm expanded in December 2002 with the opening of a second office in Smith Center. Philip practiced law for 41 years, retiring in 2022 after a distinguished legal career.
In addition to his private practice, Philip served his community in numerous professional and civic roles, including serving as USD 392 School Board Attorney, Osborne City Attorney from 2009 to 2022, and a member of the Osborne Public Library Board for 10 years. He helped establish the local chapter of Pheasants Forever and was a committed supporter of the University of Kansas Honors Program for more than 30 years.
Philip and Deb welcomed their son, Bailor Lee Hardman, in January 1986, and their daughter, Sloane Selbe Hardman, in May 1990. Becoming a father was one of the great privileges of his life. He took deep pride in his children and found tremendous joy in watching them grow into the people they are today.
Philip lived life with curiosity, loyalty and enthusiasm. He was a lifelong fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Chiefs. He loved the Rocky Mountains and was a skilled skier, often calling the family condo in Snowmass, Colorado, and the slopes it served, his favorite place on earth. Music was another constant in his life. He built an extensive collection and enjoyed seeing live concerts whenever he could.
He generously gave his time to youth athletics. He coached T-Ball and Pee Wee baseball, and later umpired K-18 and American Legion baseball. He coached Osborne High School tennis for 20 seasons, 19 with the girls team and one with the boys. He also led a summer recreation tennis program, taking particular satisfaction in introducing young people to a sport they could carry with them for life.
Philip loved the outdoors, especially pheasant and quail hunting, and was a longtime member of the Osborne Gun Club. Over the years, he shared that passion with his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers, whose companionship in the field—and at home—brought him great joy. He was an avid reader and was rarely without a book in hand. A lifelong student of politics, he welcomed thoughtful discussion with anyone willing to engage. He was also a proud and regular blood donor, quietly giving back in a way that reflected his deep sense of civic responsibility.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Lila Hardman and Dr. Dennis Hardman. He is survived by his wife, Debra Hardman; his son, Dr. Bailor Hardman (Enya); his daughter, Sloane Hardman (Cliff Ewert); his grandson, Vaughn Ewert; his brothers, John Hardman and Jim Hardman (Grayson); his niece, Shannon Weissleder; his nephew, Ian Hardman (Alana); his great-nephews, Story Hardman, Henley Hardman, and Reid Weissleder; his great-niece, Rhea Weissleder; his aunt, Donna Hallewell (John Anthony); and several cousins.
A visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sims Center, 109 W. Main St., Osborne, Kansas. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., also at the Sims Center, followed by lunch.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the compassionate staff and caregivers at Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Memorial contributions may be made to the Osborne City Tennis Courts.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rentschler Family Mortuaries Osborne Chapel.