About This Memory Space
This page was created for Paul W. Hackleman's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Paul W. Hackleman's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Paul W. Hackleman. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Paul W. Hackleman embodied unwavering positivity and quiet strength, leaving an indelible mark through his dad jokes, steadfast support, and boundless enthusiasm for sports and community service that inspired generations.
Born in Indianapolis to Paul A. and Julia (Steadman) Hackleman, Paul grew up embracing hard work and optimism from an early age. A natural supporter of family and teams alike, he infused every moment with humor and encouragement, teaching those around him the true meaning of dedication and teamwork through his everyday actions. Humble to the core, he showed up consistently for life's big and small events, fostering values of honesty and perseverance in all he encountered.
Paul's professional journey began at Eli Lilly before he even finished Howe High School in 1954, spanning over four decades until his 1998 retirement. Beyond that, he served on the Indianapolis Colts chain gang from 1984 to 2019, including the Super Bowl on February 5, 2012. A committed member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Indiana Officials Association, he also teamed up with his daughter Nancy at Xerox M-Plan Insurance for five years. His volunteer efforts shone at Doe Creek Elementary and in organizing Eli Lilly sports teams until they outgrew the program.
Photos of Life
Family & Loved Ones
Paul's world revolved around showing up for his loved ones, from cheering at every game and recital to offering a steady hand whenever needed. His children—Beth Weaver (Mike), Nancy Montenegro, Tracy Hill (Wesley), Dawn Sinclair (Andy), and Nicole Hunt (Mike)—along with grandchildren Jon Weaver (Allison), Hope Castillo (Adrian Swaney), Dustin Bunyard, Matthew Weaver, Hannah Weaver, Logan Hunt (Kiersten), Shayla Bunyard, Nick Gahimer, Josh Hill, Lydia Hunt, Lucy Hunt, and Lorenzo Hunt; and great-grandchildren Noah Woolsey, Lucy Castillo, Luke Weaver, and Benny Hunt, all felt his reliable presence. Surviving siblings Doris Coop, Mary Smith, James Hackleman, and Kathy Walden (Bill), plus brother-in-law Stephen Smith, and countless nieces and nephews, cherish the warmth he brought to family ties. He was preceded by wife Janet, daughter Valerie Bunyard, grandchild Alexis Hunt, siblings Ronnie, Carl, Ruth Smith, Elsie K. Roddy, Richard, and David Hackleman, and sisters-in-law Faith and Jane Hackleman.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from Paul's circle capture a man whose cheerful spirit and unwavering reliability created ripples of joy and inspiration across sports fields, workplaces, and family hearths alike.
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