A trailblazer from a pioneering 6th generation Texas family, Carl Jerome "C.J." Hardeman left this life in his characteristic understated manner, peacefully, on Sunday February 6, 2022 due to complications from a stroke.  He was 88 years old.

Born at home in Justin, Texas on January 22, 1934, to dairy farmers Lena Mae and Sam Hardeman, C.J. was the apple of his mother's eye.  He was the third of four children.  He attended Justin Elementary school and graduated from Northwest High School in 1951.

C.J. earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry from Sul Ross State College in Alpine, Texas in 1957.  While in Alpine, he was spotted by one of the scouts for the movie Giant staring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean, which was filming in nearby Marfa.  As legend has it, C.J. was recruited as a stunt double for Rock Hudson in his love scenes with Elizabeth Taylor.  The lesser-known legend had him recruited for the horse-riding and cowboy scenes because he was an excellent horseman.

During college, C.J. was drafted into the Army.  He was allowed to finish his degree and reported for duty soon after graduation.  His stint as a meat inspector in the Army is the reason we eat our chicken burned and our steaks well-done.  He was honorably discharged.

C.J. spent several years competing in rodeo events.  He won numerous awards including "All Around Cowboy".  He and his brother, Buddy Hardeman, produced the Hardeman Ranch Rodeo and 4 ^th of July Parade in Justin for many years.

He joined his brother Buddy as a partner in his train derailment business in Justin.  For years C.J. and Buddy successfully handled hundreds of train derailments and natural disasters all over the United States.  He was a problem-solver and an expert heavy equipment operator.

C.J. married Heide Singer in 1963.  Together they raised five daughters and enjoyed life on the ranch as stewards of the land.  They raised horses and cattle, worked hard, and had a beautiful life.

C.J. was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother, Buddy, his nephew Tommy Don Hardeman, and niece Terry Judge.  He is survived by Heide and the girls, Carla, Rhonda, Rena (Dr. Michael Savoie), Sonja, and Myra, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and his nephew Randy Hardeman.

A funeral service will be held Friday February 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at The Country Abbey in Justin followed by a graveside service at Justin Cemetery.

Special thanks to Dee Flynn, Kristi Burch, and Sydnei Anderson, our excellent therapy team, and to Dinah Mallory for always answering the call.

If you are so inclined, please consider a donation in C.J.'s honor to the Justin Fire Department.