Bertis Paul Hardiman, Sr. was born November 8, 1942 in Princeton, IN to Melvin & Lunolia Hardiman. Bertis, known as “BP” attended Patoka High School and was a world traveler. However, he always found his way back to his hometown, Princeton, IN and resided in Gibson County until he departed this life on December 26, 2020 at his home, 608 N. Gibson St. Princeton, IN.

In 1959, Bertis enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country for four years before being honorably discharged. During his military service, Bertis functioned as an aircraft repair engineer. Upon his return home, Bertis joined the family’s business, with his father, Melvin Hardiman, and became a Master Carpenter. BP was an entrepreneur and business owner, of a General Contractors operation. He trained and developed his son, Bertis Paul Hardiman Jr. and brother, Michael Hardiman to master the trade and operate the family business. BP also taught his four daughters the importance of managing the family’s GC business; Lolita, Stacee’, Camilla, Stephanie and his niece, Michelle Hardiman, all played vital roles. After retiring from fully operating the family’s business, he continued to serve as a consultant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Hardiman, Ivan and Lunolia Simmons; his first wife, Shirley Ann Hardiman; his brother, Melvin L. “Fuzz” Hardiman; his sister, Lynn Hardiman; and nephew Jason Simmons.

He leaves to delight in his memory, his wife, Sharon Hardiman; 1 son, Bertis Paul Hardiman, Jr. (Marquetta); 4 daughters, Lolita Germain, Stacee Lunolia, Camilla Jones (Reginald), and Stephanie Fayola; 8 brothers, Lloyd Hardiman, James Hardiman, Michael Hardiman (Lucky), William Wayne, Sr. (Felicia), Ivan Heber, Jr. (Midori), John Squire, Carl Ray (Kim), Ricky Alan (Bronda); 6 sisters, Jeanee Gordon, Iva Harvey (Joseph), Alfreda Harrison (Jimmy), Joyce Sullivan (Kenneth, Sr.), Fayola Green and Maria Simmons. Bertis also leaves 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 6 p.m. at the Colvin Funeral Home located at 425 North Main Street in Princeton, IN 47670 officiated by Elder James Wilkerson Jr. and Invocation by Pastor Jeremi Taylor. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton. Due to state mandated COVID-19 regulations, there is a maximum of 25 people allowed inside the funeral home. Those who wish to attend the service, please bring your mobile device and be prepared to view the service from your vehicle or your home on the Colvin Funeral Homes Facebook page.

Memorial contributions will be accepted on behalf of the family by Stephanie Fayola Hardiman, 214 3rd Ave., Princeton, IN 47670. Envelopes will also be available at Colvin Funeral Home. You may leave a message of sympathy or light a candle in memory of Bertis Hardiman at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hardiman family.