Services will be streamed Live on the Wing Mortuary Facebook page. They will begin just prior to 11:00am.

Paul Walker Hardman
March 20, 1944 – June 27, 2026

Paul Walker Hardman, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, farmer, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on March 20, 1944, in Lehi, Utah, to W. Raymond "Curly" Hardman and Eva Mary Walker Hardman.

Paul was raised in Lehi alongside his siblings, Gary R. Hardman and Lisa E Hardman. He attended Lehi Elementary School, Lehi Junior High School, and graduated from Lehi High School in 1962.

Demonstrating exceptional talent in woodworking and craftsmanship Paul earned the Utah State Soap Box Derby Championship and a second-place finish in the Utah State Industrial Arts Competition.

Working alongside his father in the family auto shop, Paul developed a lifelong love for mechanics. He learned to build and repair cars and trucks and successfully rebuilt and raced a flathead engine at the Bonneville drag strip. He also spent much of his youth and adult life helping operate the family farm west of the Jordan River with a dog by his side. As his father aged, Paul assumed responsibility for the farm and expanded his work by providing custom hay cutting and harvesting services for farmers and ranchers throughout the area.

Paul proudly served in the Utah National Guard's 1457th Engineering Battalion, where he earned honors in riflemanship. He attended both Brigham Young University and Utah State University, graduating from Utah State in 1969 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering.

While attending Utah State University, Paul earned his single-engine pilot's license and later owned a Cessna 172. His skills as a pilot and his love of flying provided unforgettable adventures and memories.

Education became one of Paul's greatest legacies. For 33 years, he taught Automotive and Diesel Technology at Utah Valley University and was the Department Chair for 13 years. He also dedicated his time as Assistant Coach of the UVU Rodeo Team. He was respected and admired by students, colleagues, and parents for his knowledge, patience, and dedication.

In 1965 Paul married the love of his life, Lora Lee Manning, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and adventures.

Paul had mechanical aptitude and craftsmanship which enabled him to create, repair, and construct anything with remarkable skill. With these talents Paul built the family home where he and Lora raised their children. His efforts made it possible for Lora to remain at home with their family, a blessing they both treasured.

Paul's interests were many. He was an accomplished hunter with extensive knowledge of reloading, ballistics, and marksmanship. He hunted throughout the western United States and several African countries, collecting an impressive array of trophies, many taken with a .50-Caliber Muzzleloader that he built himself. His trophy room houses more than 60 mounts, including the famed African "Big Five."

Paul cherished friendships developed through his years at UVU. He enjoyed rafting adventures on the Salmon, Dolores, Yampa, and Green Rivers, as well as annual family trips to Mazatlán, Mexico, with fellow faculty members and their families during Christmas break.

A lifelong horseman, Paul raised, bred, and showed Paint Quarter Horses. He restored an antique buggy and trained his horse, Barbie, to pull it, participating in parades and community events throughout the area. One memorable highlight was escorting singer Crystal Gayle in his buggy during the annual Stadium of Fire celebration in Provo.

Paul was deeply committed to stewardship of the land and served for more than 15 years as an active member of local and state Soil Conservation organizations, working alongside others to promote responsible land and water management throughout Utah.

Travel brought Paul great joy, especially when shared with Lora. Together they explored destinations across the United States as well as Mexico, Japan, Jordan, Italy, and Peru, creating fond memories along the way.

Above all else, Paul was devoted to his faith and family. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he found great joy in serving others. Throughout his life, he served as a teacher, Bishop, member of a Stake Presidency, and Temple Ordinance Worker. His testimony, leadership, and Christ-like example blessed countless lives.

Paul's life was one of faith, hard work, ingenuity, service, and unwavering devotion to family. He was grateful for his posterity and took every opportunity to work, serve, and vacation with them. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Lora; his children, Paulee Hardman, Kylene (Brandon) Pace, Amanda (Wade) Wilson, Clint (Mandi) Hardman, and Emily (Dave) Huggins; his 18  grandchildren; and his 3 great-grandchildren, with 1 more on the way; and his sister, Lisa E Hardman. He is preceded in death by his brother, Gary R. Hardman; and his grandson, Garrett Pace.

Funeral Services will be held at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main, Lehi, Utah on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11 am. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 6:30-8:30pm and again, 9:30-10:30am, just prior to the funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.