Paul Hardwick

Paul F. Hardwick, age 91, passed away at his home at 10 p.m. November 16, 2013, after eluding stage four prostate bone cancer for nineteen months. He resided in Florida with his wife Rose Etta (Stafford) Hardwick, his wife of seventy plus years. He was the son of Homer and Alta Pearl (Mann) Hardwick. He had two older brothers, Charles and Lowell. His immediate family preceded him in death, but wife Rose survives. Paul was also preceded in death by two sons, Jon Thomas and Michael Paul. Both were career well decorated United States Marines and Mike retired to serve his country as an employee of Raytheon until his death. Patricia (Pat) Sharp, Site Administrator for the Oakland City and Ivy Tech Bedford Campus, survives. Grandchildren include Michael P Hardwick Jr. (Christina) of Florida, Curtis (Erica) Hardwick of California, Brian Hardwick of Arizona, Sean Sharp (Marybeth) of Washington DC, Sarah (John) Goulart of Tennessee and Matthew Hardwick of Florida. There are three great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter. Daughter-in-laws Nancy Hardwick (TN) and Susan Hardwick (FL) survive as well. Mr. Hardwick graduated from Needmore HS in 1941, then he worked as a carpenter's helper for the U.S. Army both at Charlestown DuPont plant and Camp Atterbury. After completing Civilian Pilot Training at Notre Dame, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served 31 months a diesel technician in the Pacific theatre and was discharged as a 2nd Class Petty Officer in 1946. The GI Bill afforded Paul the means to begin his academic pursuits at IU in 1946. He completed a BS degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation, with honors, in 2 years and 8 months in 1949. He began that fall teaching and coaching at Shawswick HS. Two years later, he served at Tunnelton HS. Then he taught and coached at Heltonville HS where the basketball team won the only County Tourney on record in 1954. Upon refusing the principalship at Heltonville, Mr. Hardwick enjoyed a two year stint at BJHS. From 1956-1977, Paul was chairman of science department, started competitive science fairs, sponsored the science club and enjoyed outstanding students who became doctors, dentists, vets, nurses, lawyers, and two astronauts. He enjoyed all his students and still shared vivid experiences from each school setting as often as allowed until his death. Remaining a student himself, he earned a master degree in education administration from IU and a master degree in biological science from Purdue as a National Science Scholarship Foundation recipient. He was very proud of the academic accomplishments of his family. His children shared six degrees earned and the grandchildren 12 degrees earned. Paul and Rose shared "Valley View Ranch" in the Fayetteville area of Lawrence County and raised black angus cattle and rode a motorcycle for fun. Upon retirement, Paul and Rose learned to avidly play golf. Paul renewed his love of flying by earning his pilot license at age 65. He was an avid fisherman, devoted father and husband, and a gentleman who looked for opportunities to mentor and motivate success. Paul had prayed to pass away at home, in his right mind, in his sleep and before the onset of the unmerciful pain of the disease. And, The Lord showed His mercy in delivering him as he had hoped. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in his name or to The Boys and Girls Club of Bedford, Indiana. (2009 19th St, Bedford, In 47421 Attn: Tammy Bailey)

Cemetery