Alton "Wayne" Hardey passed away on January 28, 2026, soon after being diagnosed with an advanced case of pancreatic cancer. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 12, 1966. He was 59, leaving this world way too soon.

He spent his early years in DeQuincy, Louisiana, later relocating to Lake Charles, Louisiana where he lived out his life. He attended Alfred M. Barbe High School and Acadiana Technical College (LTC). He started his career in his 20's as a laborer in the hydro blasting industry. Having exceptional work ethics and dedication, he advanced his career to become an Operations Manager/Location Manager. Providing for his family was very important to him. He mentored and supervised many employees for 30 years in the Lake Charles area. His first love was his family, followed by hunting and fishing. He enjoyed cooking his famous "Wayne's fajitas", delicious gumbo, backstrap, and grits for his family.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Davenport Hardey; children, Kaycie Hardey Breaux and husband Justin, Stefan Hardey and wife Samantha, and Tiffany Hardey; bonus daughter, Jessica Kilgore; beloved grandchildren, Beau, Tucker, Gracie, and Oliver; sisters, Barbara LaGrange, Linda Iding, and Frances Tracy; and good friend and hunting buddy, Anthony "Moose" Johnson.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Hydle Hardey; his father Frank J. Hardey; and brothers, Samuel Stewart, Clyde Stewart, and Leonard Stewart.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home - Lake Charles, 517 Broad Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Rev. Chuck Huddleston will be officiating. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes will be spread in his favorite hunting and fishing spots.

The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Harbor Hospice, Lake Charles.