Martin Jerry Hardeman

Date of Death: March 1, 2026

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memorial

Memorial contributions may be sent to
The Mississippi Historical Society
P.O. Box 571
Jackson, MS 39205

mass

Saint Luke Catholic Church

7001 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101

(703) 356-0670 |

Tuesday 3/24

For family only

Martin Jerry Hardeman of Winchester, Virginia passed away on March 1, 2026, at age 80.

Martin was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 14, 1946, to Rillious and Julia (Martin) Hardeman. He received a BA in history from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois and earned a doctoral degree at the University of Chicago. He then taught at Roosevelt University, Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, TX, and Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.

Martin retired from Eastern in 2020 after teaching American history, African American history and American constitutional history (his great love) for almost 30 years. His wife of 28 years, Clare L. McCulla, a Legal Services lawyer, simultaneously retired. They then moved East to be near family.

Martin was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Ronald. In addition to his wife, Martin is survived by a cousin, Larry Martin of Detroit, MI and other relatives. He was close to his in-laws: father-in-law James McCulla; sisters-in-law and their spouses, Margaret McCulla (Duran Field) and Elizabeth McCulla Johnson (Chuck) and brothers-in-law and their spouses, John (Ann), Paul (Barbara), Timothy (Karen), Stephen (Stephanie) and Andew (Diane) McCulla, as well as his numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

Martin was both a great listener and a great storyteller. He collected pewter toy soldiers, particularly from the Napoleonic period, and was an avid fan of all things Bob Dylan.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on March 24, 2026, at Saint Luke Catholic Church, McLean, VA. This will be for family only.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Mississippi Historical Society, P.O. Box 571, Jackson, MS 39205.

anonymous

Light a candle

Memorial contributions may be sent to
The Mississippi Historical Society
P.O. Box 571
Jackson, MS 39205

Saint Luke Catholic Church

7001 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101

(703) 356-0670 | Map

Tuesday 3/24

For family only

Martin Jerry Hardeman of Winchester, Virginia passed away on March 1, 2026, at age 80. Martin was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 14, 1946, to Rillious and Julia (Martin) Hardeman. He received a BA in history from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois and earned a doctoral degree at the University of Chicago. He thenContinue Reading

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I just learned of Martin’s passing. We both had offices on the third floor of Coleman Hall (I was in the English department). I had many, many lively conversations with Martin over the years, often about film. And there was no such thing as just saying hello with Martin. We’d get to talking and maybe forty-five minutes would go by, and then I would dash off to teach. Martin's humanity and erudition and wit were extraordinary. My deepest sympathy to Clare and family.

Sorry to hear of Dr. Hardeman's passing. I enjoyed working for him and getting to know him at EIU (2004-2005). He was so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. My sympathy to his family and friends.

In memory of Martin Jerry Hardeman, anonymous lit a candle

Martin was one of the most learned and inquisitive people I have ever encountered. He knew how to narrate a good story--and had one for just about any topic that might arise. His former students will, I am sure, remember him fondly for the knowledge he imparted and for his astonishing wit. My deepest condolences to Clare and family.

Martin, we will miss you! You were a great brother in law. Glad you are now with all of your relatives in heaven. Margaret and Duran.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.