Karl R. Hardiman

All who knew Karl Hardiman would agree that he brought the world around him to life. He was a hardworking and honorable man whose spirit of generosity was beyond compare. A loving and devoted father, Karl was over the moon excited to become a grandfather, and being surrounded by his loved ones brought him great joy. A wise man who never had an unkind word to say about anyone, he was always prepared for whatever life had in store. The sort of person who never met a stranger, Karl was a true blessing in the lives of so many. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.

During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of the nation were focused overseas while WWII raged on. There was dancing in the streets when the war came to an end in 1945, and for the rest of the decade America was making the shift to being a nation at peace once again. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great celebration in the lives of John M. and Jessie C. (Williams) Hardiman as they welcomed the baby boy they named Karl Ronald on April 7, 1948, into their hearts and home. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, he was the older of two in his family as he was raised alongside his younger brother, Ricky.

In many ways Karl was a young boy of his generation. He was full of energy during his younger years, and as an older brother he was quite protective of Ricky. Sometimes, Karl spent time at his Uncle Ulysses and Aunt Mildreds working farm in Princeton, Indiana, where he learned the importance of team work, working hard, planning, and follow-through. While growing up he enjoyed listening to WLS-AM to artists we consider to be country music legends today. As a teen, Karl attended Howe Military School in Howe, Indiana. While there he was one of the toughest on the line as a member of their football team, and he loved his time at Howe Military School. He was forever grateful that his time there helped prepare him to serve in the United States Army. After graduating, Karl attended North Dakota University and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Later in life he attended Purdue University.

Karl was known for his work ethic and his dedication to whatever task was at hand. He served during the Vietnam War from March 14, 1971, through January 29, 1972. In recognition of his service Karl received the Purple Heart, Marksman (MKM with M-16 Rifle), VCM (Vietnam Campaign Medal), ARCOM (Army Commendation Medal), CIB (Combat Infantry Medal), Good Conduct Medal, VSM (Vietnam Service Medal), and the Bronze Star Medal. Karl loved the military and was a true patriot who loved the history of Williamsburg, Virginia. He was more than willing to share all about the areas colonial history. Karl enjoyed sharing stories of his ancestors and their military service as well. Karl was active with the VFW and local post 1152 in Kokomo, Indiana. He served on the Military Rights Team in Kokomo for several years, and he just may have attended as many funerals as his son Kris who is a funeral director. Within in the workforce, Karl worked for NIPSCO, first as a meter reader and later moving into personnel management. From there he worked in personnel management for the VA Hospital Lakeside in Chicago. Most recently, Karl worked for the Chrysler Corporation as a skilled tradesman who performed a variety of tasks throughout the plant until retiring in 2006.

Although he accomplished a great many things, nothing was greater than the pride Karl felt for his family. He was the treasured father of one son, Kristopher (Kris) Hardiman. He treasured his role as a father, but the happiest day of his life was the day when he drove up to Fort Wayne to visit with Kris and his wife, Mary Jo. On that day, Karl learned that he was going to be a grandpa, and he was so thrilled with the news that he started jumping up and down in the parking lot of Steak n Shake. He absolutely loved being a grandpa! Karl loved all holidays and spending time with his family. He was known for bringing his famous homemade pies to all gatherings. Strawberry was the one everyone loved most, but it was closely followed by peach and blueberry pie. Karl was full of wisdom and advice to share and will be forever remembered for telling others to do everything with meaning and purpose. He remained active in the lives of his grandchildren and particularly loved watching them take part in various sports and activities.

As his family and friends can attest, Karl was truly extraordinary. He had a genuine love for animals, providing a loving home for his own pets as well as for those that may not have a home. Karl had a nice singing voice and was known to sing a tune including everything from Yankee Doodle Dandy or Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire to the latest George Strait tune. He enjoyed gardening, and in the summer he grew fantastic tomatoes and always had plenty to send home with anyone who visited. A man of his word, Karl was very compassionate and more than willing to share his resources. Over the years he gave to many local as well as national organizations to support the work of those who are underserved as well as his military brothers and sisters. Karl was a Purdue Boilermakers fan who also loved the Chicago Bears. He was well read and loved talking politics with anyone who was willing to listen. Karl remained abreast of the latest political happenings both locally and on a national scale.

With a journey that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Karl Hardiman lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He was kindhearted and compassionate with a genuine concern for all who were near. Karl was a man who knew what he thought, and he didnt shy away from letting people know where they stood. A family man through and through, he cherished being a father and grandfather more than anything else. Life will never be the same without Karl here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Karl Ronald Hardiman, of Kokomo, IN. passed away at 1:05 a.m. on Friday December 30, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital, Kokomo. Karls family includes his son, Kris (Mary Jo) Hardiman of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Knox Hardiman, Klayton Hardiman, Aubrey Cale, and Isaac Cale all of Fort Wayne; brother, Roderick Hardiman of Phoenix, AZ. Karl was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Shirley Stout Funeral Home 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Calling also on Thursday, January 5, 2017, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Karl will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017, at the DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Marion National Cemetery, Marion. Military Rites conducted by U.S. Army and VFW Post 1152. Memorial contributions in memory of Karl may be made to VFW Post 1152 Military Rites Team Weapon Replacement Fund. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send a condolence or to sign the online guest register.