Robert (Bob) Franklin Hardiman

Robert (Bob) Franklin Hardiman, 85, was welcomed into the hands of the Lord on June 20th, 2023. He was brought into this world on New Years Day, 1938, to his parents, Frank and Dorothy Hardiman in Witcher, West Virginia. Bob attended Dupont High School in Belle, West Virginia, graduating in the class of 1955. While in high school, he was involved in the National Honor Society and the Dupont High School Band where he was an excellent saxophone player. After graduating, he moved on to Morgantown to attend West Virginia University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon his graduation, he began his career in the steel mills working for Bethlehem Steel Mill. Shortly after, he married his first wife, Barbara Hare Hardiman. He began his journey with Morton Salt in 1963 and started a family. His journeys took he and his family to stops in Rittman, Ohio, New Iberia, LA, Hutchinson, KS and got to Texas as quick as he could. With a wife and two young boys, he called Texas his home and Grand Saline would be his last move. Bob’s strength got him through the death of his wife Barbara, and he devoted his time to his boys and Morton Salt. He then met Carolyn on a blind date, and the “Hardiman Bunch” was formed and we began a lifetime of love, laughter and tears. Bob had many hobbies. He loved cars, RC airplanes, working on cars, enjoyed a good glass of wine, driving fast cars, lunch and dinner get-togethers with family and friends (Bernard’s being his favorite), reading…car magazines, learning Spanish, watching Dicky work on his cars, and searching the internet looking for his next car purchase. Did we mention that he loved cars? He also loved to share stories and give advice to anyone who would listen. Bob took full advantage enjoying his hobbies and spending more time with family and friends after his retirement from Morton Salt in 2002 after 39 years. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy Hardiman, wife, Barbara Hare Hardiman (1971) wife, Carolyn V. Hardiman (2018) and son, Kevin Hardiman (2014). He is survived by his loving family including his sons, Dan and wife, Sandra Hardiman of Tyler, David and wife, Michele Hardiman of Tyler and daughter, Lisa and husband, Jeff McDaniel of Whitehouse. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Braden and wife, Amber McDaniel, of Kansas City, MO, Toni Robinson of Tyler, Brennan McDaniel and fiancé, Mallory Moss of Dallas, Brooke and husband, Jeffrey Davis of Ft. Smith AR, Julia Hardiman of Dallas, Brandon Hardiman and Christina Hardiman, both of College Station. Bob also became a great-grandfather with the arrival of Evelyn Ann Davis two months ago. He will also be missed by his brothers, Larry and wife, Vickie Hardiman of York, PA and Charlie and wife, Carol Lee of Jamison, PA and sister-in-law, Dianne Vandergriff of Tyler. Bob’s many nephews and nieces will surely miss his laughter and wisdom. The family will have a memorial service in celebration of his life on Saturday, July 8th, 2023at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Lanny Bridges officiating in the Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel. A private entombment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Hospice of East Texas Homeplace for the compassionate care given to our dad during his last week of his life. If desired, memorials may be made to the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701.

Robert (Bob) Franklin Hardiman

January 1, 1938 - June 20, 2023