Paul W. Hackleman

New Palestine, Indiana – Paul W. Hackleman, 89, passed away on November 16, 2025, after being comforted by his family. His dad jokes, positive demeanor, and his love will be deeply missed.

Paul was born to parents Paul A. & Julia (Steadman) Hackleman on August 14, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana. A devoted worker, Paul was working at Eli Lily even before he graduated Howe High School in 1954 and had a long and varied career with the company. He was with them for over 40 years before “retiring” in 1998. He also worked for the Indianapolis Colts on the chain gang from 1984 - 2019 with the 2006 Superbowl Game, his last working the chains. He was a long-time member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and the Indiana Officials Association. He worked at Xerox M-Plan Insurance with his daughter Nancy for five years as well. He was also a lifelong volunteer, spending time at Doe Creek Elementary, organizing the Eli Lily sports teams before they grew too large to continue the program.

More than where he worked, Paul was a positive influence on everyone who knew him. He would always be there for his children and his grandchildren, attend every game, every recital, and every time they needed him all they had to do was turn around and he would be there.

A humble man who taught by example, Paul’s love of sports in all their forms encouraged him to teach the values of teamwork, honesty, and dedication.

In addition to his parents Paul is preceded in death by his wife Janet Hackleman; daughter Valerie Bunyard, siblings Ronnie Hackleman, Carl Hackleman, Ruth Smith, Elsie K. Roddy, Richard Hackleman and David Hackleman; grandchild Alexis Hunt, and sisters-in-law Faith Hackleman and Jane Hackleman.

He is survived by his children Beth Weaver (Mike), Nancy Montenegro, Tracy Hill (Wesley), Dawn Sinclair (Andy), and Nicole Hunt (Mike); 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; great-grandchildren Noah Woolsey, Lucy Castillo, Luke Weaver, and Benny Hunt; siblings Doris Coop, Mary Smith, James Hackleman, and Kathy Walden (Bill); brother-in-law Stephen Smith; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 1 pm – 2 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229) with a memorial service following at 2 pm. Inurnment will take place at Washington Park East Cemetery following services.