Emmett Fletcher Hardiman, 92 of Indianapolis formerly of Princeton, passed away Friday, July 25, 2014 at the North Capital Nursing and Rehab Center in Indianapolis, IN.

He was born on the family farm in Gibson County, Nov. 19, 1921, the third of four children born to George Fred and Essie Evelyn (Grady) Hardiman. 

Emmett attended Lyle Station Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School as Valedictorian of his class in 1940. His parents provided a Christian environment for the family and he accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Wayman Chapel AME Church in Lyles Station. His early life was spent on the farm routinely helping his father working on the farm. He served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army during W.W. II. Following his service he received Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State Teachers College and attended Columbia University in New York City, where he received his Masters Degree. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He retired in 1985 after being a teacher for 29 years in Indianapolis Public Schools at Arsenal Technical High School. 

Besides being a lifetime educator, Emmett was also known as a world traveler. He visited over 50 countries including Egypt, China, Soviet Union, Libya, South Pacific, England, France, Italy and several other countries throughout Europe and South America as a member of the International Reading Association. 

Emmett was also the family photographer. His library included several photo albums of his family and world travels. His love and concern for his family led him to become deeply involved in their lives with an emphasis on education. He had a special interest in the continuing education of his nieces and nephews and purchased college text books for each niece and nephew as a show of his support. 

He is survived by a nephew, Arman Nolcox of Chandler AZ; great nephew, Brett Nolcox of Indianapolis; great nieces, Blenda Johnson, Elvira Whitaker, Andrea Jenkins all of Indianapolis; Melita McKay and Carmen Carson of Los Angeles, 12 great-great nieces and nephews and host of other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Thelma Nolcox and Dorothea Christine Hardiman and a brother Paul Hardiman. 

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, IN with Rev. John Jamerson officiating. Burial will follow in the Sand Hill Cemetery near Lyle Station.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.